Washington Post published four possible reasons why coronavirus cases are falling in the US, as the worst surge finally relents. However, it seems scientists can’t agree why residents are benefiting from this coast to coast. If we knew why, we should be able to benefit in future. Which of the following do you think may be the reason?
Are Coronavirus Cases Dropping Because of Vaccination?
Centers for Disease Control past director Tom Frieden disputes the case for vaccines. ‘It’s what we’re doing right: staying apart, wearing masks, not traveling, not mixing with others indoors’, he believes. He adds the likelihood of a fourth surge developing is in the hands of the people.
Researchers at University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation however disagree. They credit the fall in COVID cases to the vaccine program, in tandem with declining seasonal effect. Thus far the contenders are (a) vaccine, (b) prevention, and (c) the natural flow of seasons. But there’s one more possibility on the table.
Are Coronavirus Cases Falling in US Because of Testing?
Eleanor Murray is a professor of epidemiology at Boston University School of Public Health. She twittered an increased focus on vaccine distribution and administration could be making it harder to get tested. And this could cause known coronavirus cases to fall in the US.
The COVID Tracking Project noticed a steady decline in testing since the two million logged per day in mid-January. It ascribes the current rate on 1.6 million daily to ‘a combination of reduced demand, as well as reduced availability or accessibility of testing’.
It’s up to you to decide which option(s) you prefer. Washington Post cautions America ‘is still in a bad place’ by recording over 90,000 cases every day. And the surge could re-quicken if residents drop their guard. Or one of the new, super-spreading variants dominates, regardless of your decision.
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Preview Image: US COVID Tests in Past 7 Days
