Photo by Fusion Medical Animation
There’s hope that the pandemic may be at the verge of its end. Though many countries have slowly dissolved some COVID-19 restrictions, a few public health specialists weigh whether the US states should also ponder over their protocols on masks or social distancing.
Still, many have advised against being complacent amid this coronavirus spreading reduction, they say it is too early to conclude that it is already safe.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark has announced that the country will be lifted from all COVID-19 restrictions. He added that COVID-19 “should no longer be categorized as a socially critical sickness.”
“Denmark will be completely open from 1 February,” Frederiksen said. “Tonight we can start lowering our shoulders and find our smiles again.
“The pandemic is still here, but with what we know now, we dare to believe that we are through the critical phase,” Frederiksen further said, stressing Denmark’s success in conducting a vaccination program and booster shots.
The United Kingdom has also eased their restrictions with people no longer required to show their COVID-19 vaccination passes to enter nightclubs and other huge venues. Masks aren’t a mandatory requirement in public places, though they are still advised on public transport.
Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are among the nations easing their restrictions as well.
However, spokesperson for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Kristen Nordlund stated in an email on Friday, “We know there is still much to be done to stop the spread of COVID-19 and end the pandemic. We are still seeing far too many new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.” So it means the US will remain vigilant in combating this virus.
Around 500,000 are the daily average cases in the US, with over 1,000 deaths, says the CDC, which urges everybody to receive vaccination and booster shots if they’re eligible.
“As we look forward to the spring, it’s important to continue practicing prevention measures that we know work—vaccinating, wearing a mask in public, indoor settings, staying home when you are sick, and washing your hands frequently,” says Nordlund.
The easing of restrictions and recommendations are based upon the transmission rates of coronavirus by several US states. Yet almost every state is seeing high levels of spread.
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.
