Covid Fatigue

      Here we go again! The Coronavirus appears to be quickly heading for the out-of-control zone and governments are reacting as usual - far too slowly. But big lock-downs are already going into place in France and Germany. To a lesser extent in Britain and the US. 

     Unfortunately, more and more people are getting "covid fatigue". Governments are going to find that massive lock-downs are going to be resisted, ignored, and fought by people who are going to lose their businesses and jobs this time after barely surviving the last time. Covid Fatigue is largely responsible for the present breakouts, along with colder temperatures and less outdoor activities and gatherings. Even those with secure jobs are getting extremely tired of the present situation. It is terribly frustrating not to be able to see your elderly relatives, extended family, friends, church family, fellow musicians, etc., etc.

     I believe we should have done a lot more testing and quickly locked down particular local areas where the covid level was increasing rapidly, rather than continuing these massive general lock-downs. Areas where hospitals are close to being overwhelmed should certainly be shut down quickly and totally, but not whole States or Countries. That requires rapid and available testing, which we STILL don't have! Absent an effective vaccine, regular and continual testing of everyone is the only answer. 

     As to a vaccine, while everyone hopes one that works is found soon, most don't want it rushed. A vaccine that has nasty side effects would have to be immediately withdrawn, which would discourage most from getting another vaccine when one is found. An ineffective but safe vaccine would do the same, plus making people lose faith in their effectiveness. The vaccine also has to be effective against both major strains of the virus, or there have to be two vaccines.

    It took four or five years for the US to develop a working atomic bomb. Surely we could move a LOT faster in controlling a virus. And we can't stop with that - this time we need to continue funding massive R&D until we can counter all viruses quickly and effectively.