The NPR Politics Podcast So... Is The Pandemic Over? Is That Even The Right Question?
Sep 20, 2022
President Biden's declaration that the pandemic is 'over' sparks mixed reactions from public health experts. Despite government optimism, hundreds still die daily, highlighting a disconnect between political narratives and reality. The impact of this statement on upcoming elections is explored, especially concerning suburban voters. Ongoing vaccine hesitancy and low booster rates raise alarms, particularly among older populations. The discussion touches on the challenges of prioritizing public health messaging as fatigue sets in post-pandemic.
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Political Reality vs. Public Health
- President Biden's declaration reflects the political reality of a pandemic-fatigued nation.
- People want to move on, even if the virus remains a problem.
Who Declares a Pandemic Over?
- There's no official process for declaring a pandemic's end.
- The WHO holds the closest thing, a public health emergency declaration, which remains in effect.
Political Liability of Biden's Statement
- Biden's statement might alienate voters who prioritized pandemic management.
- Democrats risk appearing insensitive to those still vulnerable.