During the holiday season, a trio of viral infections (influenza, Covid-19, RSV) began straining hospitals as cases spiked. With the elderly and young children at greatest risk, last month’s survey asked how can we protect them now that Americans have stopped masking? Here are the results:
My thoughts: More than anything, this survey spotlights our ambivalence toward these viral threats. On one hand, readers are concerned with the risks. A whopping 95% saying they are very, moderately or somewhat concerned about Covid-19. And yet, less than half of respondents favor any of the restrictions that have been recommended to limit spread.
I interpret this as fatigue following three years of masking, social distancing and limits on day-to-day activities. Consistent with this view, no elected officials and few policy experts are recommending that our nation reimposes any restrictions on people’s lives. This, despite 400 to 500 Americans continuing to die each day from the coronavirus.
Thank to those who voted! To see the final results of this survey, and for access to timely news and opinion on American healthcare, sign up for my free (and ad-free) newsletter Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s a Forbes contributor, bestselling author, Stanford University professor, and host of two healthcare podcasts. Pearl’s newest book, “Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors & Patients,” is available now. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
