The Delta Variant: Why We Should Still Mask Up!
Over the past year and a half, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc across the world. In recent months, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson have released effective vaccines that help mitigate the chance of getting the virus or having intense symptoms. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have an approximated 88% chance to prevent the Virus from being contracted while J&J has a 60% effectiveness.
However, over recent months, a new Covid-19 variant known as the Delta variant has substantially increased the infection rate of the virus, even amongst fully vaccinated individuals. Back in mid May, the CDC completely lifted all mask restrictions all while the Delta variant was wreaking havoc on the eastern side of the world, being the main cause of Coronavirus infections. On July 27th, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky stated that “today, we have new science related to the delta variant that requires us to update the guidance regarding what you can do when you are fully vaccinated” (CNBC - CDC Mask Policy). Unfortunately, this statement may not be considered of the utmost importance to most Americans as the recent taste of freedom with no masks has caused certain American’s to be more hesitant in wearing masks. While everyone may miss the days of no masks, it is absolutely critical that we go back to masking up to prevent another nation-wide shutdown.
A CDC document recently leaked by the Washington Post stated that the “Delta variant vaccine breakthrough cases may be as transmissible as unvaccinated cases” meaning that vaccinated individuals are at equal risk to catch the virus and spread it as unvaccinated individuals. The document also stated that the “Delta Variant may cause more severe disease than Alpha or ancestral strains'' (CDC Leaked Document).
What is most critical to understand is that the vaccine is approximately 90% effective at preventing severe symptoms rather than the virus itself. This means that you may be completely asymptomatic if you catch the Delta variant (similar to the alpha variant) and can spread it easily amongst others. Even amongst fully vaccinated individuals, you may be equally as likely to catch the virus and even get symptoms that may knock you off your feet. While it is disheartening to hear this news and quite honestly pretty scary, the most important thing that we can all do is 1) Get vaccinated. The process is very quick and easy and not to mention completely free. If you aren’t vaccinated look into this CDC article stating why it is beneficial for not only yourself, but everyone around you. 2) Continue to wear your masks (whether it be single or double masking) and ensure your own safety from the virus or spreading it to others. 3) Be hygienic and get tested after social gatherings. If you are fully vaccinated, feel free to go to that one friend's birthday party or go out to eat or even go out to get groceries. However, make sure that you aren’t COVID-positive and get vaccinated once every month or after any large social gathering.
While we did have a wonderful (but very brief) break from masks, it is still essential that we mask up for the foreseeable future. COVID-19, specifically the Delta variant, still exists and is quite harmful if you catch them, even if you’re young. You don’t want to end up in a hospital or sick in bed (and you definitely don't want to lose your taste!) so make sure you mask up, wash your hands, get vaccinated, and do your part in making sure this pandemic is over sooner rather than later.
If you would like to visit the sources used to support this article you can find them below:
Cover Photo by Tom Dennell. Edited by Madison Case.