The Daily The Summer of Delta
Sep 8, 2021
Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter for The New York Times, shares insights on the unexpected rise of the Delta variant during what was supposed to be a summer of freedom. She discusses the troubling surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly in low vaccination areas. The conversation also delves into the ethical debates surrounding booster shots and highlights the grim reality of breakthrough infections. Mandavilli emphasizes the importance of ongoing vaccinations and addresses the uncertainties surrounding new variants.
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Delta's Impact
- The summer of 2021, predicted as a "summer of freedom" from COVID-19, became the "summer of Delta."
- Delta's surge highlighted the virus's unpredictability and the continued distance from pandemic's end.
Florida's Summer Surge
- Experts predicted a summer wave, particularly using Florida as a bellwether, given its history during the pandemic.
- Unexpectedly high case numbers emerged, with Florida accounting for 20% of national cases at one point.
Vaccine Hesitancy
- Lower infection rates at the start of summer may have inadvertently discouraged vaccination uptake.
- Some believed the pandemic was over, leading to vaccine hesitancy and a stall at 53% full vaccination.