Next week, on Thursday precisely, almost all Covid restrictions will end. The World Health Organization has also declared it is no longer a global emergency. However, in 2022, it was still the fourth leading cause of death behind heart disease, cancer, and “unintentional injury,” which includes drug overdoses.
It has not magically vanished, becoming more like the seasonal flu. Moreover, public health experts still warn of an omicron variant possibility. But people don’t want to hear that. The way in which taking precautions, being vaccinated, and wearing a mask in certain crowded situations like trains and subways became such a political football only served to increase deaths.
And identity politics didn’t help. The polarization over what should have been merely a public health concern was distressing, and still is. We were able to eradicate polio in the 50s because it was seen as a matter of public health. We should address this issue before the next pandemic hits us, because it will.
Prayer for the Day
Holy God, we call to you as our strength and shield,
You call us and embrace us against our fears;
Forgive us our timidity in proclaiming your word
Forgive us our reluctance to accept change and
Help us to have courage as others who proclaimed your name
Teaching us how to live so we may complete your work
In the name of him who is our model,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
What most people don’t understand … this virus isn’t going away.
- Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute
When people lose trust in medical experts and public health officials, they tend to turn to other sources, including social media. Social media sites optimize for engagement, rather than other measures such as information veracity or epistemic well-being
- Ristaart Reimann, et al, from Public Trust, National Library of Medicine
Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her,
And is found by those who seek her.
Wisdom hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.
To fix one’s thought n her is perfect understanding,
And one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care,
Because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, graciously accepting them.
Wisdom of Solomon 6: 12-13, 15-16