Everyone knows COVID has claimed more than one million lives in the USA, and weekly counts still account for hundreds of cases across states. The spread of the coronavirus has created a great divide in the nation. While an overwhelming majority is focusing on curtailing individual liberties for the public good, many still believe that restricting their rights is not the correct way to handle this pandemic. Many people wonder how much of a sacrifice Americans should make for the common good. On the other hand, the think tanks wonder what motivates people to do what is of greater interest.
Not that the outlook toward vaccination has improved, but there was a lot of hesitancy when it was only 18 months into the pandemic. The virus had already consumed one in 545 people. Still, many people didn’t take the vaccine or wear their masks while showing resistance to official measures. However, some also stood with the policies and believed those who don’t follow safety instructions risk others’ lives.
- The reason for a divide
In 2021, coronavirus swept away 2000 American lives every week, as per Johns Hopkins University’s report. The nation churned more than 60k daily cases. CDC says a majority of counties suffered high-risk community-level transmission. When looking closely at the situation, the health experts realized that 99% of COVID casualties included unvaccinated people. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable group has also vehemently opposed general guidelines around the pandemic.
Amidst this chaos, the evolving scientific methods and medical treatments saw the emergence of vaccines that proved effective by many measures with fewer side effects. It made it clear that jabs can be life saving. At the same time, it indicated the possibility of returning to normalcy quickly at personal and professional levels. However, why did some still oppose these measures? The thinkers ask if it is about one’s principle or prioritizing self-interest above everything else. Harvard professor Michael Sandel explained – it’s not about public health measures; instead, those who stand against masking don’t want the government to dictate their behavior or choices.
The experts opined that the pandemic exposed unpreparedness in logistics, healthcare, and moral practices. Some also talked about the inability of the country to maintain its grace. Societies frayed by isolation, economic inequality, and other issues expressed their outrage by not trusting science. However, unfortunately, everyone knows the virus doesn’t understand moral or political boundaries. It did what it had to and continues to cause worries even today.
- The state-wise presentation of support for vaccine mandate
While negative sentiments around vaccine mandates have been a matter of concern, some surveys also delved into the percentage of the population across different states supporting vaccination efforts and not labeling them as an attack on their rights.
A case in point is MyBioSource’s 2021 study covered 3243 participants. More than 80% of people from Hawaii and Massachusetts and over 70% from New York, Maryland, and Washington said they don’t think vaccine rules impede their freedom. Places like Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Florida, Delaware, Indiana, and Illinois witnessed support from more than 50-60% of residents.
In contrast, in some states, only a tiny percentage of individuals showed a positive reaction. These included West Virginia (30%), Alaska (36%), and Wyoming (42%). For precise details, you can check MyBioSource’s data.
- A point to ponder
While some people may argue against this, history has shown us time and time again the benefits of vaccinations. The unvaccinated tend to be more vulnerable to coronavirus and can spread infection faster than those who’ve had their shots. Some insights also demonstrate that even vaccinated individuals can succumb to the virus, but they are not as much at risk to others as the unvaccinated group. Cases of hospital admissions, the severity of illness, and fatality have been lower among vaccinated people. On a broader scale, the decision not to go for immunization can translate into a burden on the general public.
If a person gets severely sick and ends up in the hospital, they will seek health insurers (public or private) to cover the cost of their medical bills. It is critical to remember that reimbursement consists of a significant amount of contribution from everyone. Also, the more people become infected and eventually need hospitalization, the more it puts pressure on a healthcare system that already deals with a shortage of care providers.
That’s why it’s necessary to be objective about the situation that calls for public duty. It cannot be about personal preferences when many people are at risk of illness and fatality. Interestingly, regarding vaccine and mask guidelines in schools, even the opponents seem to act differently and not think about themselves. They don’t want to infringe upon their kid’s freedom. Nevertheless, medicine and freedom are two different things. One should not allow their decisions to be
What’s more important in times of the pandemic – everyone’s safety or personal freedom?
Everyone knows COVID has claimed more than one million lives in the USA, and weekly counts still account for hundreds of cases across states. The spread of the coronavirus has created a great divide in the nation. While an overwhelming majority is focusing on curtailing individual liberties for the public good, many still believe that restricting their rights is not the correct way to handle this pandemic. Many people wonder how much of a sacrifice Americans should make for the common good. On the other hand, the think tanks wonder what motivates people to do what is of greater interest.
Not that the outlook toward vaccination has improved, but there was a lot of hesitancy when it was only 18 months into the pandemic. The virus had already consumed one in 545 people. Still, many people didn’t take the vaccine or wear their masks while showing resistance to official measures. However, some also stood with the policies and believed those who don’t follow safety instructions risk others’ lives.
- The reason for a divide
In 2021, coronavirus swept away 2000 American lives every week, as per Johns Hopkins University’s report. The nation churned more than 60k daily cases. CDC says a majority of counties suffered high-risk community-level transmission. When looking closely at the situation, the health experts realized that 99% of COVID casualties included unvaccinated people. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable group has also vehemently opposed general guidelines around the pandemic.
Amidst this chaos, the evolving scientific methods and medical treatments saw the emergence of vaccines that proved effective by many measures with fewer side effects. It made it clear that jabs can be life saving. At the same time, it indicated the possibility of returning to normalcy quickly at personal and professional levels. However, why did some still oppose these measures? The thinkers ask if it is about one’s principle or prioritizing self-interest above everything else. Harvard professor Michael Sandel explained – it’s not about public health measures; instead, those who stand against masking don’t want the government to dictate their behavior or choices.
The experts opined that the pandemic exposed unpreparedness in logistics, healthcare, and moral practices. Some also talked about the inability of the country to maintain its grace. Societies frayed by isolation, economic inequality, and other issues expressed their outrage by not trusting science. However, unfortunately, everyone knows the virus doesn’t understand moral or political boundaries. It did what it had to and continues to cause worries even today.
- The state-wise presentation of support for vaccine mandate
While negative sentiments around vaccine mandates have been a matter of concern, some surveys also delved into the percentage of the population across different states supporting vaccination efforts and not labeling them as an attack on their rights.
A case in point is MyBioSource’s 2021 study covered 3243 participants. More than 80% of people from Hawaii and Massachusetts and over 70% from New York, Maryland, and Washington said they don’t think vaccine rules impede their freedom. Places like Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Florida, Delaware, Indiana, and Illinois witnessed support from more than 50-60% of residents.
In contrast, in some states, only a tiny percentage of individuals showed a positive reaction. These included West Virginia (30%), Alaska (36%), and Wyoming (42%). For precise details, you can check MyBioSource’s data.
- A point to ponder
While some people may argue against this, history has shown us time and time again the benefits of vaccinations. The unvaccinated tend to be more vulnerable to coronavirus and can spread infection faster than those who’ve had their shots. Some insights also demonstrate that even vaccinated individuals can succumb to the virus, but they are not as much at risk to others as the unvaccinated group. Cases of hospital admissions, the severity of illness, and fatality have been lower among vaccinated people. On a broader scale, the decision not to go for immunization can translate into a burden on the general public.
If a person gets severely sick and ends up in the hospital, they will seek health insurers (public or private) to cover the cost of their medical bills. It is critical to remember that reimbursement consists of a significant amount of contribution from everyone. Also, the more people become infected and eventually need hospitalization, the more it puts pressure on a healthcare system that already deals with a shortage of care providers.
That’s why it’s necessary to be objective about the situation that calls for public duty. It cannot be about personal preferences when many people are at risk of illness and fatality. Interestingly, regarding vaccine and mask guidelines in schools, even the opponents seem to act differently and not think about themselves. They don’t want to infringe upon their kid’s freedom. Nevertheless, medicine and freedom are two different things. One should not allow their decisions to be lopsided.
