By: Gowri Sunil

News Editor

Across the United States, COVID-19 cases have surged yet again, sparking concerns for public health and safety. The latest wave, which struck at the end of summer, is connected to a variety of factors, including a new Covid variant, pre-pandemic practices, and vaccine delays.  

According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during the summer, a new variant, Nimbus, was discovered and found to have affected forty-three percent of the Covid cases. While researchers find that this new variant does not make an individual’s sickness worse, researchers did find it to carry mutations that are better at defending against body defense systems and vaccines. 

The resulting surges were inevitable, as summer is peak time for air conditioning and crowded traveling. With airports packed and people returning to their pre-pandemic travel habits, the sickness spread much more quickly from person to person. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, on average, temperatures in the US during the summer increased by 2.8 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the 20th century’s average. Higher temperatures led to a surge in air conditioning usage allowing the virus to be spread since air conditioning re-circulates indoor air. 

Contrary to what one might expect, studies found that summertime brought a boost in people’s immune systems. Researchers found that physical activity and vitamin D levels increased along with more sleep, which strengthened individuals’ immune systems. Yet, still, this was not enough to stop the virus, perhaps due to a delay in vaccine distribution. 

Due to the Trump administration’s vaccine distribution policies, companies were forced to distribute vaccines more slowly. Current president, Donald Trump called for more data on the vaccine’s effectiveness and potential long term health effects. As reported by the LA Times, the Trump administration moved to restrict access of the Covid vaccines, making the vaccines harder to get ahold of, especially in lower-income and rural areas. Many pharmacies therefore had short supplies of the vaccines and little appointment availability. Meanwhile, a recent NY Times article reported that the administration also delayed distribution of the latest vaccine boosters despite evidence showing the booster’s effectiveness against the new variant, Nimbus. 

The public’s response to Covid vaccinations has been mixed. Some continue to get their vaccinations, while others seem to have moved past the virus altogether. Public interest and urgency have faded, and misleading claims about the virus being over have only worsened this year’s wave. As attention to different issues has risen, Covid still lingers in the background. 

Despite the numerous issues surrounding vaccinations, experts and researchers remain hopeful. With better tools, knowledge, and awareness, they believe Covid can be combated as long as we pay attention. While Covid hasn’t disappeared, it has adapted and spread, making public response key in reducing its impact.

(Sources: Centers for Disease Control Prevention, Los Angeles Times, National Centers for Environmental Information, New York Times)