What’s Next for the Virus? Shots, Restrictions, and Masks.

Both Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Scott Gottlieb are saying that, by April, we are going to have plenty of vaccine.  Everybody who wants a shot will be able to get one.  In other words, the problem pretty soon is not going to be getting a shot; it will be getting enough people to get a shot.  One hopes the powers that be are working on that.

But another question: Once we get to that point, i.e., when there is enough vaccine for everybody, what does that mean about all the restrictions we have been living under?  What about social distancing?  Limits on restaurants?  Plays and concerts and sports?  Ultimately, what about masks?

Personally, I wouldn’t have a problem continuing to wear a mask when I go to the grocery store; it’s easy.  But if I have to wear one at the grocery store, how do I justify going to a restaurant or, maybe more importantly, going to a Cubs game?  Do I need a mask there?  How safe am I if other people don’t wear masks?

One of the difficulties here is that if we don’t get enough people to get a shot, can we safely get rid of the restrictions?  But if we can’t get rid of the restrictions, why should people get a shot?  I understand the logic of getting a shot even if some of the restrictions continue, but not everybody does.  If the restrictions won’t go away, then some people won’t get shots.  But if not enough people get shots, then the restrictions, at least at some level, won’t go away. 

Those are going to be difficult questions, and good explanations are going to be hard.  It’s not going to be enough for politicians to just tell us to do something (something they may not do themselves).  They really to explain it, and not just to those who would do it anyway, but to those who need to be convinced.  Is there anybody out there who can do that?  Who can convince people who don’t agree with them at first?  I don’t know, but that is what we are going to need.