OT: Coronavirus XXXX: Variant & Vaccination Rates Are Climbing, Let's Get to Herd Immunity Baby!

[Frank the Tank]

If they ask at the border I won’t be answering such a question.

If one isn't an American citizen, one has no right to enter the US without meeting their requirements. Canada will assert the same policy.

Proof of vaccination isn't anything new. I had to provide vaccination records, among other items, to receive all 3 of my US visas and successfully enter the country the first time on each visa. The USCIS officer even looked at my chest x-ray one time to confirm I didn't have TB.

 

[MaxR11]

There are significant differences in recommended activities for fully vaccinated individuals that have emerged down here in IL over the past few weeks. For example, fully vaccinated people are now able gather indoors with family and friends who are fully vaccinated. One may safely go maskless outdoors and indoors (should the establishment have a policy that permits one to do so). Overall, the CDC has definitely shifted to the carrot approach to encourage greater vaccine uptake in the US.

Canada and the US this week started talking about how to safely open the border and one's ability to cross will likely revolve around proof of vaccination status.

I think that's somewhat reasonable but more so because fully vaccinated people shouldn't be much of a spreader (theoretically). I really don't think we should be non-essential travelling across borders until this thing has really settled down.

 

[AM]

If one isn't an American citizen, one has no right to enter the US without meeting their requirements. Canada will assert the same policy.

Proof of vaccination isn't anything new. I had to provide vaccination records, among other items, to receive all 3 of my US visas and successfully enter the country the first time on each visa. The USCIS officer even looked at my chest x-ray one time to confirm I didn't have TB.

Sounds ideal, when do I not go.

 

[SK13]

If one isn't an American citizen, one has no right to enter the US without meeting their requirements. Canada will assert the same policy.

yeah lol.

"I won't answer the question of vaccination" says dude who has clearly never left the country before since that's pretty much always been on the table anytime you leave the continent.

 

[AM]

yeah lol.

"I won't answer the question of vaccination" says dude who has clearly never left the country before since that's pretty much always been on the table anytime you leave the continent.

If you’re talking about me, I have lived on three different continents. And been to the us many many times and not answered that question.

 

[CycloneSweep]

If you’re talking about me, I have lived on three different continents. And been to the us many many times and not answered that question.

Of course you haven't answered the "have you been vaccinated for covid19" question at the border.

 

[AM]

Of course you haven't answered the "have you been vaccinated for covid19" question at the border.

You do realize there have been flu pandemics in the past?

 

[bellagiobob]

If one isn't an American citizen, one has no right to enter the US without meeting their requirements. Canada will assert the same policy.

Proof of vaccination isn't anything new. I had to provide vaccination records, among other items, to receive all 3 of my US visas and successfully enter the country the first time on each visa. The USCIS officer even looked at my chest x-ray one time to confirm I didn't have TB.

Wanted to get your take on the CDC's recommendation that vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks or social distance in most settings, which of course was followed today by many of the big stores announcing that masks were no longer required for vaccinated people, but would be on the honor system. Which is pretty much a free pass for anyone that doesn't want to wear a mask to not wear it. Thought it was a bit early for that decision, with only 36% of the population fully vaccinated, and with vaccinations rates really slowing down. Thought they had a good thing going if they just waited a bit longer, to at least get to the 50% level.

 

[yukoner88]

Wanted to get your take on the CDC's recommendation that vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks or social distance in most settings, which of course was followed today by many of the big stores announcing that masks were no longer required for vaccinated people, but would be on the honor system. Which is pretty much a free pass for anyone that doesn't want to wear a mask to not wear it. Thought it was a bit early for that decision, with only 36% of the population fully vaccinated, and with vaccinations rates really slowing down. Thought they had a good thing going if they just waited a bit longer, to at least get to the 50% level.

I've been hearing a lot of numbers (through talk radio in Canada AND the USA) that the first dose of a 2 dose vaccine are extremely effective. Saskatchewan is reporting a 99% rate of effectiveness with people on their 1st shots, and the 1% who tested positive with the, none of them have had to be treated in hospital as they've experienced very minor symptoms, if any at all. So opening up when most only have the first dose is appearing to be quite safe.

The 2nd doses are merely just top ups or boosters for the vaccines to remain effective for the maximum amount of time.

(Most of this was listening to Gormley while driving through Saskatchewan a couple days ago, along with hearing the headlines news reports during the news breaks on the radio)

 

[Fourier]

I've been hearing a lot of numbers (through talk radio in Canada AND the USA) that the first dose of a 2 dose vaccine are extremely effective. Saskatchewan is reporting a 99% rate of effectiveness with people on their 1st shots, and the 1% who tested positive with the, none of them have had to be treated in hospital as they've experienced very minor symptoms, if any at all. So opening up when most only have the first dose is appearing to be quite safe.

The 2nd doses are merely just top ups or boosters for the vaccines to remain effective for the maximum amount of time.

(Most of this was listening to Gormley while driving through Saskatchewan a couple days ago, along with hearing the headlines news reports during the news breaks on the radio)

It would be very early for Saskatchewan to be able to present any really reliable stats. But the experience in other places does indicate high levels of protection 2-3 weeks after vaccination.

 

[yukoner88]

It would be very early for Saskatchewan to be able to present any really reliable stats. But the experience in other places does indicate high levels of protection 2-3 weeks after vaccination.

It is early, but their medical professionals feel good enough about it (along with keeping an eye what has happened in GB, and the USA) that they've built their entire opening strategy upon certain age brackets getting to vaccinations levels of 70% based on the first doses

 

[Fourier]

It is early, but their medical professionals feel good enough about it (along with keeping an eye what has happened in GB, and the USA) that they've built their entire opening strategy upon certain age brackets getting to vaccinations levels of 70% based on the first doses

In that respect they are on firmer ground. Saskatchewan also has some real advantages in that much of their population lives in very low density environments where it is easier to isolate small outbreaks.

 

[bellagiobob]

It is early, but their medical professionals feel good enough about it (along with keeping an eye what has happened in GB, and the USA) that they've built their entire opening strategy upon certain age brackets getting to vaccinations levels of 70% based on the first doses

Which makes sense. That’s why I’m a bit confused that the US is opening things up when less than 50% have had the first dose. Seems early.

 

[yukoner88]

In that respect they are on firmer ground. Saskatchewan also has some real advantages in that much of their population lives in very low density environments where it is easier to isolate small outbreaks.

These points are very true.

 

[Fourier]

Which makes sense. That’s why I’m a bit confused that the US is opening things up when less than 50% have had the first dose. Seems early.

I think it is a carrot vs stick move...Get vaccinated here is your reward. I also suspect it will backfire and reduce vaccination rates.

 

[yukoner88]

Which makes sense. That’s why I’m a bit confused that the US is opening things up when less than 50% have had the first dose. Seems early.

That probably means that the government bodies are confident they will eventually reach 70% of the general public.

In saying that there are probably additional factors such as mental health, public discourse purely through the public losing its patience, along with some economic pressures.

The cherry on top imo was the latest statements from the CDC which basically gave the green light to lift all remaining restrictions.

Pretty tough for a state level administration to have strict rules in place when the country's top medical body says they aren't needed.

 

[Fourier]

That probably means that the government bodies are confident they will eventually reach 70% of the general public.

In saying that there are probably additional factors such as mental health, public discourse purely through the public losing its patience, along with some economic pressures.

The cherry on top imo was the latest statements from the CDC which basically gave the green light to lift all remaining restrictions.

Pretty tough for a state level administration to have strict rules in place when the country's top medical body says they aren't needed.

CDC did not quite say that no measures are needed. They said they are not needed for fully vaccinated people. The problem is that it is a nightmare to implement a system that allows half the people to do one thing and the other half something else when you have no mechanism to identify who is in which group. So the states can justify extended restrictions while they solve the problem if case numbers are still high.

 

[fuswald]

Not to imply not to get it or that I am against it in any way, but the second shot is being overrated. It is a booster. Just one shot is pretty much a guarantee you are immune to a severe reaction to Covid. So just rest easy already. The end is coming soon.

 

[fuswald]

If they ask at the border I won’t be answering such a question.

Then you probably shouldn't go to the border as will likely be turned back.

 

[fuswald]

Has anybody read if the second shot be updated for variants?

 

[Fourier]

Has anybody read if the second shot be updated for variants?

At this point no it won't. But they can have it ready quickly if needed. Right now I think they are planning on focusing on a third booster for the variants.

 

[PBandJ]

Then you probably shouldn't go to the border as will likely be turned back.

Yeah, I'll be be shocked if proof of Covid vaccination isn't a requirement both ways when the border reopens.

 

[bellagiobob]

I think it is a carrot vs stick move...Get vaccinated here is your reward. I also suspect it will backfire and reduce vaccination rates.

I get the reward aspect, but that somewhat went out the window when stores said they were using the honor system now. Less incentive for the fence sitters to get jabbed. I don’t think they get close to 70% vaccinated now, would honestly be surprised if they reach 60%. And I get that each state still sets their own restriction rules, but I think the horse has left the barn on this one. Canada is likely going to pass the US in first shot vaccinations very shortly, which didn’t seem like even a possibility a few months ago.

 

[Fourier]

I get the reward aspect, but that somewhat went out the window when stores said they were using the honor system now. Less incentive for the fence sitters to get jabbed. I don’t think they get close to 70% vaccinated now, would honestly be surprised if they reach 60%. And I get that each state still sets their own restriction rules, but I think the horse has left the barn on this one. Canada is likely going to pass the US in first shot vaccinations very shortly, which didn’t seem like even a possibility a few months ago.

You have described exactly my reason for thinking it will backfire. And I agree that our chances of passing the US are excellent. I think Canada will come in at 80-85%+ with at least one shot. I suspect that we will also be over 75% with 2.

 

[bellagiobob]

You have described exactly my reason for thinking it will backfire. And I agree that our chances of passing the US are excellent. I think Canada will come in at 80-85%+ with at least one shot. I suspect that we will also be over 75% with 2.

As much as I thought our announcement last week regarding the relaxing of restrictions was a bit extreme and was a bit fearmongering, I prefer that approach to this CDC announcement. At least the fence sitters here have incentive. And our timetable can be moved up as needed. The US was given a golden opportunity that pretty much no other country in the world was given, and I really hope they don’t blow this.