By: Emmy Ribero
The United States has been hit with a second, and more brutal, wave of coronavirus as the holidays approach. Most states, Maryland included, have been in the red, a symbol for increasing cases. With the hopes of vaccines coming within the next few weeks, many are unsure of what this could mean for their holiday season. Recently, Dr Fauci believes that the coronavirus is not looking good, with people having traveled and gathered for Thanksgiving and likely traveling again for holidays. It’s becoming clear to medical experts that the spread is going to be even larger than before. Officials are urging those who traveled to get tested as soon as they can as precautions against the spread. The United States is a worldwide hotspot, and it seems that serious measures need to be taken to gain control of the situation.
There is a nationwide hospital crisis occurring again, as the cases are still on the rise. Bed shortages are becoming a big issue, forcing hospitals to turn away coronavirus patients and those with other health care emergencies. California in particular is expected to be dangerously close to full before christmas, if the upward trend continues. Thus, the state is prepared to take drastic measures if there doesn’t seem to be improvement soon. This can be expected in many other states as well.
Many Americans are hopeful because it seems like the vaccines are well on their way to being available to the public. Fifty-seven different vaccines are currently in the process of being tested, thirteen of which are in the final testing stages. Scientists are optimistic that at least a few of them should be effective in providing antibodies to protect against the virus. However, none of them will actually be able to “cure” those affected with coronavirus. There is no set date for when they will be available but they are being pushed to come as soon as possible. Another big question that is currently up for debate is who will be receiving the vaccine first. There is agreement that frontline workers, specifically those in healthcare, should be first. Following would be other essential workers such as those in food companies and police officers. It is unclear where the rest of the population falls in line, such as teachers, students, and people at risk.
Similar to the rest of the United States, Maryland is on its highest peak currently. Just in time for the holidays, Maryland’s cases are on the rise, the highest they have ever been. The peak of this upward trend was November 19th, with 2,888 new cases that day. It is more important than ever to practice social distancing and wear masks in public. Additionally, traveling for the holidays is not recommended. Protect those at risk and yourself by staying home.