With the Omicron Variant of COVID-19 becoming more prevalent in the USA, cities, and states are already renewing lockdowns. Are you prepared for this?
The media and politicians are panicking over the newly identified Omicron Variant of COVID-19. Within days of its announced discovery, cities were already gearing up to lockdown businesses and schools. A couple of weeks later, cities and states have begun those lockdowns. I see more people wearing masks as the media's fear envelopes them once more. With the Holiday Season in full swing, the CDC and the ever-popular virus spokesperson, Dr. Fauci, are urging people to limit their contact with family members. They have even gone so far as to suggest if you host a family gathering, you should ask to see proof of vaccination. So, just as in George Orwell's 1984, we are to become an extension of the state police.
All of this, despite indications, the Omicron Variant is not any more dangerous than other variants and may be less severe. It does, however, appear to be more transmissible as it moves swiftly through populations. In addition, there are indications it dies out very quickly. It peaks very quickly and then drops off just as quickly. For example, this has been the case in several countries, South Africa and the UK. However, this has not translated into a surge of new deaths for these countries, with the seven-day rolling average remaining reasonably consistent.
In the US, for reasons unknown, this is not the case. Throughout the COVID-19 Crisis, the US has had more cases and deaths than any other country. This is despite having a Health System superior to most countries (or do we?). While most countries are experiencing a doubling of cases each week due to the Omicron Variant, the US experienced a near six-fold growth in one week, going from 12.6% of cases being Omicron to 73.4% of Cases being Omicron in seven days.
I find this difficult to believe. For one, not every tested person's virus sample is tested to determine its genetic sequence. Second, testing is not uniform across the US. And third, the results can easily be distorted depending on testing being concentrated in those areas where Omicron is more or less prevalent. These are issues that make all modeling and forecasting difficult. Assumptions must be made to adjust for any number of factors regarding unknowns. So, before the media and politicians jump to conclusions, perhaps they should wait until more facts are available. This has been the case throughout this crisis. How many times has the media, and the so-called experts changed their tune and reversed their position on issues surrounding COVID-19? Often the information they provide is totally inaccurate. For example, they would have us believe vaccinations provide us with protection against the COVID-19 Virus, but recent data suggests otherwise. You will likely be surprised to learn that between Sept. 21, 2021, and Dec. 21, 2021, in the UK, 74% of COVID-19 deaths were among the vaccinated.
But sensation sells viewership and readership, which in turn sells advertising. Fear creates an environment allowing politicians to exercise unwarranted control over the population and pass draconian laws to keep the people in check.
Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by these tactics and give up liberties you recently regained. Remain strong and do not give in to the fear of others. Gather the facts from reliable sources.