Factors around the world conspired to cause a surge in coronavirus transmission in the final weeks of 2020. In the US, the US elections and corresponding rallies were followed by the Thanksgiving holiday with noncompliant holidaymakers and Trumpers travelling to all corners of the country. Last week, on the 6th of January when the electoral college met to count the votes and confirm Joe Biden and Kamal Harris' election victory, Trump incited his supporters to storm the Capitol and riot in protest. The country is in a very serious situation, and I'm afraid that like Pandora's Box the evil will not be suppressed this time. How very sad to watch the world's oldest democracy decline. I suppose that's how the Roman Empire went down.
That was followed by Christmas and New Year celebrations around the world, fueled by virus variants in the UK and SA with enhanced transmissibility. That caused a massive surge in cases in the UK and Ireland as well as throughout Europe. Even the Pope's personal doctor died of complications of Covid. Meanwhile, the bells rang in Brexit as it took its final toll even with a deal. So long and enjoy all the fish.
The world has surpassed 90 million confirmed Covid-19 cases and almost 2 million dead. In Ireland, I think our peak was reached on January 8 at 8227 cases. That makes sense as it is 7 days after New Year's parties and ocean swims that turned out to be superspreaders events. Even Westport, which has had little prevalence, has now experienced a surge. We know of multiple cases personally. Lockdown should mean that the transmission will slow from yesterday on, but it's in the community and its not going away.
Meanwhile, two vaccines have been approved in the EU -- Pfizer's and Moderna's -- both mRNA vaccines. We won't be among those immunised early on. I can't believe we'll get it before the end of March in this country as they are quite slow to roll it out. I am weary of the fear and anxiety. But I will take maximum precautions even after immunization and into the summer months.
COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
