The response to the COVID-19 pandemic, not the first and certainly not the last the world will face, is an example of a massive failure of our government to protect and serve its citizens.
Just two things were required:
» Presenting the truth backed by science.
» Directing action and enabling that by providing the necessary tools: education and masks.
We were able to provide a million N95 masks to our community two years ago during the Thomas Fire but we were left on our own for virus-protecting masks this time.
We had lockdowns, closed businesses and stay-at-home orders, which were mostly nonsensical, oftentimes with no real basis in science, not to mention constantly changing and unenforced.
The pandemic has hit the most vulnerable communities the hardest. While other communities, states and countries weathered the coronavirus with varying levels of competence, Santa Barbara County did little to stop the spread.
Beaches were jammed and our new downtown pedestrian promenade fueled our restaurants’ outdoor business — while there was a statewide stay-at-home order and hotels were barred from accommodating all but essential workers on essential business.
We did little to educate people about how they could take reasonable actions. What we did do lacked consistency and often, science.
Masking up before visiting grandma is a certainly good idea. Avoiding crowed indoor places likewise. Social distancing works.
Wear a mask, of course — but there were no clear instructions on exactly how to do that, which has resulted in the ubiquitous chin slings, uncovered noses, bandanas and neck gaiters that do little or nothing to stop the virus.
In fact, the ever-changing protocols only increased distrust in local and state governments.
SARS CoV-2 has been called a “novel” virus, but the viral family it comes from is not new. When your dog sneezes, it’s probably a coronavirus. One third of common colds are caused by the virus.
There is much about coronavirus that is not a mystery. Scientists have studied this family of viruses for about 30 years and have been working on mRNA vaccine technology for 20 years, not just since last year. What changed? Only urgency, and therefore funding.
We know that the virus lives in respiratory droplets. It spreads person-to-person if enough virus particles transfer from an infected person to another — by coughing, shouting, maybe even just talking.
This is facilitated by close contact, often over 10-15 minutes, or many people being close together, especially in confined spaces.
It does not spread by floating through the air and getting sucked into your lungs while taking a stroll on the beach or down the street. Or while riding alone in your car or riding your bicycle. So go breathe fresh air, and go walk your dog.
Then there’s the vaccine. What more do you need to know other than if you get the shot there’s a 100 percent chance you won’t die of COVID-19 or end up in the hospital. A 95 percent chance you won’t even get sick?
How about a 90 percent chance that, if someone coughs in your face, you won’t turn around and pass it on to someone else.
Sounds like a miracle, right? It is, and it’s unbelievably awesome science.
There is steadily increasing evidence that the vaccines do indeed stop the spread of the virus — just like every other virus vaccination. But even as the science supports the efficacy of vaccines, pervasive misinformation and conspiracy theories pose a real danger to the country via anti-vaxers. For those worried that the vaccines are “too new and untested,” they are not.
The mRNA vaccines have been under development for 20 years. The scientists rushed nothing, it’s just that once you build one bridge, you know how to build more of them. Nearly a year of controlled studies and, as of March 4, 274 million doses in human beings residing in 130 countries, and no one has died from the vaccine and no one vaccinated has died from COVID-19.
Don’t worry about side effects. It’s not any different and apparently a lot less than any other vaccine.
Don’t give a second thought to the conspiracy theory that there are nanoparticles in the shot so the “deep state” can track you; Facebook and Google already do that.
All the vaccines, including Johnson & Johnson’s (just approved), AstraZeneca (next up) and Novavax prevent illness and death. There is no question that vaccines work. Get whichever is offered to you.
Meanwhile, throughout the world, millions of children are in school. Many schools never closed, including in the United States. And yet nowhere has that led to significant community COVID-19 outbreaks.
Children simply do not spread the virus, at least nothing like their parents. There’s plenty of data to support that.
We should vaccinate teachers if for no other reason that it is not right for them to be fearful for their health. They need to be able to be there for the children without worrying. Our children are being punished for our ignorant behavior.
It is all about education. We have a science-illiterate society made worse by politics. CoVID-19 is about the science behind preventing and curing disease. Yet politicians continue to present false and misleading information. Are you shocked that people are dazed and confused?
Vaccines will hugely accelerate the end of the pandemic. While we might need annual booster shots, just like influenza and other viruses, the new mRNA technology will be used to knock off dozens of other virus epidemics and possibly even cure genetic diseases. That is big.
Taking decisive action against this virus to prevent unnecessary deaths and illness is critical. Ending this pandemic as soon as possible and delivering aid to mitigate the harm done to our most vulnerable citizens and communities are absolutely essential.
Believe the science. Get the vaccine and be proud that you are being part of bringing an end to this nightmare.
What we need from our leaders is a little honesty, education and clear communication, with understandable action. From our community, trust and compassion.
We’re almost there, don’t stop now!
— Larry Bickford O.D. is a longtime Santa Barbara resident and semi-retired optometrist, and a high school science teacher before pursuing a career in optometry. The opinions expressed are his own.