Local Trends & summary

Only a few years ago the saying "Have you ever lived through a pandemic before?" is one question that seldom surfaced. The Spanish flu although considered a similar scale event, occurred prior to even most parents' memories in 1930’s in the beginning of the 20th century. So it was not predicted by many epidemiologists before the virus began in 2019, in Wuhan, China. With more than 3 billion of vaccines administered today, the infection numbers have dropped considerably, however new cases still are being discovered daily. 

With the start of the pandemic of 2019, there developed a debate about the effectiveness of vaccines. Both sides argued really well the pros and cons. The anti-Vax argument that these vaccines are newly developed and can cause various abnormal reactions in humans is a valid argument. For the ones who were pro-vaccines, the argument that vaccines prevents serious illness and infection and allows the body to acclimate to the virus and build anti-bodies, same as Polio or Measles vaccines, is a strong argument also. 

This choice to be anti or pro-vaccine is a matter of personal belief and a personal choice. Of course, the government recommends the regular schedule of vaccines now through the government agency CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html) As a previous Volunteer at Riddle Hospital I had to have vaccines in order to participate in the volunteer program, a few years ago. Same with the volunteer program at the local Hospice nursing home. Some tests had been institutionally done, and others are state regulated. However, it is still our choice and power as consumers and volunteers to explore vaccines or to not explore them, and explore other methods however those might be less state funded. 

There has not been long-enough data released about the long-term effects of such vaccines. Organizations like VAYERS at CDC show that reactions do occur, and not to be ashamed if some allergy happened. Prior to this year the sars-virus vaccines were not federally mandated. Does that leave us as guinea pigs of the first round of the vaccine? Perhaps. The cost of breath has become staying a safe distance away from others, daily hygiene practice, and wearing a mask when around others who may be unvaccinated. The CDC recently had mandated regular hand washing during previous months. December of 2021, my state of Pennsylvania had the highest rate of new cases at peak number of 10, 563 but now in June 7th, we are to a lower number of 746 cases. 
According to John Hopkin's, one of the good news is that Governor of Pennsylvania, has signed HB 1459 into law, on Jul 23, 2020 which establishes a mental wellness and stress management program for first responders who experience post-traumatic stress injuries or traumatic brain injuries on the job. Also Chester Country residents are seeing 96 percent recovery rate, with majority of cases being in the age 20-29 group, followed by 50-59 age group, 30-39, and 40-49, with 808 dead being reported county wide, as of today, June 7th, 2021. With more local hospital staff and state regulation in place for treatment of infected individuals, residents can be safe again to walk, take their normal commute to work, and enjoy outdoor activities. Likewise with the state mandate for the vaccine and masks expiring, more people can be free to travel and not just stay home, but join gyms, visit cities, and enjoy outdoor events and activities.