There’s absolutely nothing sluggish about this virus, surging worldwide in a January that promises an ongoing litany of grim news and numbers. As a spokesperson for the World Health Organization advised, “The more you can bring the transmission down, the better chance you have of your vaccination strategy working.”
That’s why the next six months will be critical to breaking the back—and the infectious spirit—of this virus, which has claimed more than 360,000 lives in the US and more than 1.8 million worldwide. In December, the last continent left untouched by the pandemic, Antarctica, reported an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection among members of a Chilean research outpost, adding 36 cases to a worldwide total that now stands at more than 87 million. An astonishing 21 million of them are in the US.
Of course, until access to the new vaccines reaches far and wide and deep, we need to persevere and make public health mantras a New Year’s resolution. Once again: Wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing and avoid large gatherings. It’s not a lot to ask.
This week’s Haymarket Media Coronavirus Briefing is 1,584 words and will take you seven minutes to read.
The messaging
Voices matter. Influencers influence.
The takeaway:
We’ve got a developing information gap: a country with not one vaccine distribution plan but a patchwork crazy quilt of dozens. Officials admit there will be some “confusion and inefficiency” and “a very complicated triage process” as millions wait their turn.
The pushback
We continue to battle the relentless surge of infection and, at least based on the most recent numbers, we’re down on most judges’ scorecards. But there are many rounds left in the fight.
The takeaway: More vaccines–and more doses–are on the way. Hang on and pay attention to news and alerts from your local and state health departments..
The rest
Stuff you can do
That’s it for today. Be sure to check out the Haymarket Media Vaccine Project Newsletter, set to be published every Wednesday, and come back next Thursday for your weekly Coronavirus Briefing fix. Hoping you and yours remain safe and well amid the continued craziness. A better, brighter day is coming.