The Delta variant, discovered last December in India, has resulted in a new spike of COVID-19 cases worldwide. According to the CDC, by the end of June 2021, the Delta variant had made up more than 20% of COVID cases in the United States. The variant has since spread to at least 98 countries and is 40 to 60 percent more contagious and transmissible than the Alpha variant. It is also spreading 50% faster than the Alpha variant, putting unvaccinated citizens at high risk (What We Know About the Dangerous Delta Variant, 2021). Dr. F. Perry Wilson, a specialist at Yale Medicine, gave her opinion in an article stating, “In a completely unmitigated environment—where no one is vaccinated or wearing masks—it’s estimated that the average person infected with the original coronavirus strain will infect 2.5 other people. So, what seems like a fairly modest rate of infectivity can cause a virus to dominate very quickly—like we’re seeing now. Delta is outcompeting everything else and becoming the dominant strain.” The CDC encourages everyone to get vaccinated so that they can be protected from this new variant, as a recent study from the United Kingdom has proved that children and adults under 50 are 2.5 times more likely to become infected with the Delta variant. “As older age groups get vaccinated, those who are younger and unvaccinated will be at higher risk of getting COVID-19 with any variant,” says Dr. Inci Yildirim, who is also a specialist at Yale Medicine. She adds, “but Delta seems to be impacting younger age groups more than previous variants.” States– such as Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia– with low vaccination rates continue to lift their restrictions, resulting in case numbers beginning to escalate (Katella, June 28, 2021).
France, the Netherlands, and Spain announced new restrictions on July 12th, 2021, to avoid rising cases. On the other hand, the United Kingdom is taking a completely different direction. Prime Minister Boris Johnson decided to lift some restrictions, saying this was the “right moment to proceed” for Britain since schools are closed for summer vacation, however, he still recommends wearing a mask in public, in crowded places, or on public transportation. Health Secretary Sajid Javid believes that the British people should have a chance to return to normal life. He agrees with the Prime Minister and says that “there will never be a perfect time to take this step because we simply cannot eradicate this virus — whether we like it or not, coronavirus is not going away” (As Delta Variant Surges in U.K., Boris Johnson Says England Will Lift Most Covid-19 Curbs, 2021).
Sydney, Australia, recently reported its biggest daily rise in COVID cases this year due to the Delta variant. State Premier Gladys Berejiklain said that the plan regarding Sydney’s lockdown will be extended, then adding, “It is really up to us. The health expert advice will be based on what those numbers look like. I can’t be clearer than that.” Since just 11% of Australia’s population is vaccinated, another outbreak in Australia is likely if restrictions are eased. However, because leaders are being more cautious when it comes to keeping their citizens safe, it is hard to say if Australia will face another significant outbreak due to the Delta variant. Due to many refusing to get vaccinated or obey safety restrictions, there is the potential that COVID-19 will become a never-ending pandemic (Australia’s Delta Variant Outbreak Worsens Despite Sydney Lockdown, 2021).
The new Delta variant is causing great concern for citizens. Everyone wants to go back to their “normal life,” but scientists and doctors are worried that this may be our new normal. Even though vaccines have been proven to be effective, COVID-19 cases are still increasing due to this new variant. Dr. Fauci advises citizens to get vaccinated so cases can go down and people can safely interact with friends and family again without restrictions. The Delta variant is throwing a wrench in the reopening plans of many countries, but if the government and the people continue to take necessary precautions, it is still fully possible for everything to return to normal.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/sydney-braces-for-extended-lockdown-amid-covid-outbreak-2484418
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/5-things-to-know-delta-variant-covid
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/07/covid-b-1-617-2-delta-variant-what-we-know.html