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Vaccines may be right around the corner, but many epidemiologists do not wait for their lives to return to normal before the majority of the population is vaccinated.
The New York Times addressed 700 epidemiologists, noting that during the coronavirus crisis we were forced to remove things and habits from our lives that until now would have seemed unthinkable to give up. Scientists themselves seem to have relaxed with some precautions (going to the grocery store or seeing friends outside), but stress that they remain more careful than ever in many aspects of everyday life.
In the informal survey of the American newspaper, half said they would not change their behavior until at least 70% of the population was vaccinated, while 30% said they would make some changes once they are vaccinated.
A smaller percentage said that since vaccines are very effective, it would be safe for Americans to start living more freely this summer – during the summer, “said the Kelly strutz, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University.
Most, however, noted that even with vaccination, it would probably take a year or more to safely restart many activities, and some aspects of daily life may never return to the COVID-free past.
THE Karin Michels, A professor of epidemiology at UCLA said it could probably be many years before he was safe enough to return to the lifestyle he had. “We have to learn to live with the virus,” he added.
Epidemiologists are concerned about many unknown variables, including how long immunity lasts, how the virus can mutate, the challenges of vaccine distribution, and the possible reluctance of certain groups to get vaccinated.
They themselves live with strict precautions, much stricter than many ordinary Americans. However, these precautions have evolved since last spring, as scientists have learned more about how the coronavirus spreads and what prevents it.
At the same time, 3/4 of those surveyed said they plan to spend Christmas, Hanukkah or other winter holidays with only members of their household or not celebrate at all.
Dangerous and less dangerous activities, according to epidemiologists:
Less dangerous, more dangerous
1. Delivery by mail without precautions (75%) 1. Food inside a restaurant (44%)
2. Walk or meet outdoors with friends (72%) 2. Attend a wedding or funeral (43%)
3. Go to a grocery store or pharmacy (46%) 3. Attend concerts or games (35%)
Meanwhile, many epidemiologists have expressed frustration that public health messages from authorities have been ineffective and a growing number of Americans appear to distrust science.
The future
“I hope that wearing a mask becomes part of my daily life, even after the vaccine is administered,” he said. Amy Hobbs, Research Associate at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
At the same time, a large percentage claimed that they will continue to telecommute for a long time, while handshakes and hugs will be rarer for some scientists.
Life after the vaccine
“If more than 50% of the population were vaccinated, I would feel a little less anxious and anxious when I started to make the mistakes that I usually make.” I may feel comfortable eating in a restaurant or seeing my friends again if possible. “. Vijaya L. Seegulam, director of research, Boston University.
“Once my family and I are vaccinated, I would change some behaviors, in addition to being in a crowd or attending events, at least until 80% of Americans are vaccinated.” Julie Bettinger, an adjunct professor at Britsh Columbia University.
When will normalcy return?
“For some, unfortunately, it has returned to normal, and for that reason, it will be two or three years before things return to normal for others, cautious, at least in the United States.”Cathryn Bock, Associate Professor, Wayne State University.
“I believe that the widespread availability of vaccines will lead to a further relaxation of most precautions in mid to late summer 2021.” Michael Webster-Clark, postdoctoral researcher, University of North Carolina.
“It is hard for me to imagine that we will go back to the old routine, but I think that the new precautionary measures that we had to adopt, like the masks, will become part of the new ‘normal life’.” Marilyn Tseng, Cal Poly Assistant Professor.
