For a long while, we were told that achieving herd immunity would be when the future returned to normality. Now, we are being told that we likely won't achieve herd immunity; many have vaccinated, but we won't get there. Speaking from science and epidemiology (not people's opinions), what's next? (See inside.)
With no herd immunity, do scientists/epidemiologists have a handle on what the future of COVID19 will be, or even what general direction it leans?
Will it be cruel, with mutations bypassing vaccines, killing many more and requiring new lockdowns? Will it be kind, with small geographically contained outbreaks, mild reactions and rapid vaccine responses? Some mix of the two?
(My workplace has recalled people into the office, and as I walk around my major hometown city, I am wondering what the future holds for the world I'm now once more walking around in.) |