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Consider This from NPR

Race To Immunize Tightens As Cases Rise; Promising Vaccine News Released

Consider This from NPR

NPR

News Commentary, Society & Culture, Daily News, News

4.26.2K Ratings

🗓️ 31 March 2021

⏱️ ? minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Scientists are growing concerned the U.S. may be headed for a fourth wave. COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly, mirroring an increase in many countries around the world.

Harvard epidemiologist Bill Hanage tells NPR he's worried another surge in the U.S. will fuel the spread of the variant known as B.1.1.7.

In the meantime, there's new evidence that vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are effective at preventing viral spread — and that they produce "robust" antibody response in children ages 12-15. NPR's Joe Palca has more.

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Transcript

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0:00.0

For most of February and March, there was lots to be optimistic about.

0:04.6

Falling cases, more vaccines, warmer temperatures, but March is over.

0:10.2

And for many scientists, the outlook isn't quite so rosy anymore.

0:14.5

I'm going to pause here.

0:16.0

I'm going to lose the script and I'm going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom.

0:22.0

CDC director Ryszel Wolenski began the week by warning of impending doom as US cases are rising fast.

0:29.1

Up almost 20% over two weeks ago.

0:31.6

We have so much to look forward to, but right now I'm scared.

0:36.0

Wolenski said more Americans are traveling than at any point in the pandemic.

0:40.7

That includes the winter holidays.

0:42.8

And in many parts of the US, people can now dine indoors, go to the movies or bowling alley or work out at the gym.

0:50.3

Hospitalizations are also up sharply in several states, including Michigan and New Jersey.

0:56.5

And deaths, which lag behind new cases, are ticking up as well.

1:00.8

The trajectory of the pandemic in the United States looks similar to many other countries in Europe,

1:07.3

including Germany, Italy and France.

1:10.3

Looked like just a few weeks ago and since that time, those countries have experienced a consistent

1:15.9

and worrying spike in cases.

1:18.5

In Europe, that's meant many countries are re-emhosing lockdowns and strict public health measures.

1:24.8

We do not have the luxury of an action.

1:27.3

For the health of our country, we must work together now to prevent a fourth surge.

1:33.8

Consider this.

1:35.0

Experts are worried the US could be entering a fourth wave of cases as big or bigger than our winter surge.

...

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