President Pro Tem of the state Senate Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) has a different take on the latest COVID-19 trends.
Berger says in a press release that more accurate information and consistent recommendations are needed.
The Berger press release is headlined, “We Should Be Relieved, Not Panicked.”
And states, “Fewer North Carolinians died from COVID during the entire month of July than on a single given day in January. That’s because vaccines work, and most of the people at highest risk of death got the vaccine.”
Berger states, “The CDC [US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] offers more consistent guidance on consuming raw cookie dough than on masks. That’s a problem and here’s why: If the CDC erodes its credibility on masks, then it risks eroding its credibility on the far more important message of vaccines.”
According to the press release, 80 percent of North Carolinians over 65 and most at risk are fully vaccinated.
The press release notes the contradictory information coming out of Washington, DC, and states, “President Joe Biden said just two months ago, “If you’ve been fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask. Let me repeat: If you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask.
“Two months later, the CDC is saying the opposite. That erodes credibility, and risks undermining and distracting from the far more important message on vaccines.”
Berger states, “Public health ‘authorities’ are keeping us in a perpetual state of panic and constantly undermining their own advice. Where does this end? If the goal is ‘no COVID,’ then it may never end. Maybe that’s the point, but that’s not a tenable state of affairs.”
Berger also notes that the strategy for getting past vaccine hesitancy has now shifted to “shaming” and political attacks.
Finally he states, “Here’s what authorities should do: Encourage and promote vaccination; give people accurate and consistent information about spread, viral load, and fatalities; and understand that the likely reaction to the current fear mongering is resistance.”
100 percent correct. Messaging from hypocrite and folks that are always never wrong makes everyone confused and mandates neverending. Remember “15 days to slow the spread” ……
Too bad republicans aren’t smart enough to deal with a rapidly changing and evolving public health crisis. Sad! Maybe they should get out of the way and let smart people run things.
John do you mean “smart folks”like the democrats who run Chicago Detroit Seattle DC and other crime ridden cities you be soooo stupid
Yes John. . . . .only democrats are smart, right?
It makes sense that the messaging would change as we learn more about the virus and as variants emerge. But the messaging on masks has not fit the data almost since day one. Masks are not really very effective against aerosols. In fact, cloth masks can be counterproductive by absorbing the viral aerosols and holding them next to the nose and mouth. The Delta variant produces an even finer aerosol, which makes that process even more likely. We need to lose the masks, and spend all those COVID relief dollars to schools and municipalities on effective air filtration systems.
Phil has clearly taken the blue pill. First of all, masks don’t work, period. WHO said so and common sense should tell you a mask isn’t going to stop a virus particles 1000x smaller than the mask pores.
How about quit being a wimp Phil and use your leadership position to stand up to our insane Gov. Cooper and his lap puppy Mandy. Is ir worth destroying what’s left of NC’s economy by “protecting” people from a virus less lethal than the flu?
What about individual freedom? Are you standing up for that? If you can’t figure out the people you supposely represent are expecting just that, just give it up and go buy yourself some cute blue bowties.
Meanwhile take a clue from the Lt. Gov, that’s what a leader looks like and that’s how you take the fight to the opposition.
This will all end when everyone stands up to our corrupt government and stops complying. No more lockdowns! No more mandates! No more masks!
Leave me alone, and let me live my life!!
The one sliver lining from all the Covid pandemic is that I followed the advise of social distancing, wearing masks (because if not perfect they might at least help as they certainly don’t hurt) I have not even had a sniffle, cough or drippy nose in over a year! I love it!
You can argue masks and social shutdown rules all you want. Except for a few weeks, I was able to eat the restaurant meals I have always enjoyed, I was able to pursue all of my hobbies (mostly an outdoors enthusiast) and bonus….I didn’t get sick even one time!! Normal season I would have sniffle, drips, and cough at least four or five times. But covid policies worked!
Masks worked great for me. You all argue away all you like. Best wishes.