The CDC, WebMD and other authorities report that unvaccinated people are about six times more likely to test positive than vaccinated people, nine times more likely to be hospitalized, and 14 times more likely to die from COVID-related complications.
I added a 13th row to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker chart to indicate the number of COVID-19 deaths of the vaccinated, based on the 14 times death rate.
Public health officials have done everything reasonably possible to make the vaccines available to all Americans. At a certain point we as a society have to accept that some people simply won't heed the warnings or take minimal steps to protect themselves.
We learn early on that we shouldn't walk on the right side of the road with automobile traffic to our backs. Parks and scenic lookouts put up signs and barriers to keep people from getting too close to cliff edges. Everybody knows not to stand in water or on wet surfaces when operating power hand tools or portable electrical appliances. Yet people ignore these and other warnings and meet their demise. We don't inconvenience everybody else because some people make fatal mistakes.
One study published by the National Academy of Sciences found that face masks were 79% effective in preventing transmission by COVID infected people. The CDC reported that multi-layer cloth masks can both block 50-70% of these fine droplets and particles. COVID is spread by talking and breathing, that is through the mouth and nose. However, COVID can be contracted through the eyes making masks a not very good protection from COVID. Not to mention, the anti-vaxxers are the most likely to be wearing inefficient masks or wearing them improperly if they are wearing them at all.
To that end it's about time we declare victory over COVID and stop mask and vaccine requirements and allow Darwinism to weed out those who won't protect themselves.
As a fully vaccinated person I will continue to avoid indoor situations where I am close to those who I suspect are unvaccinated because I don't want to be sick with a break-through case of COVID even if it isn't fatal. For the time being, I may limit myself to sidewalk cafes, outdoor brew pubs and al fresco restaurant dining. I prefer to do my traveling in my own car rather than by plane until airlines require passengers' proof of vaccination. Stores and other public places that require proof of vaccination of employees and customers will get my patronage. Otherwise, I am happy to do my shopping and other business online and avoid potential infections.
