Although the United States broke a record for the number of deaths Covid-19 reported in a single day, dr. Paul Offit told CNN’s New Day there are several reasons to be hopeful that the coronavirus situation could get “dramatically better” soon.
Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital and a member of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Related Biological Products, acknowledged that the “horrible” numbers were likely to be several months away. will continue, but said reasons for optimism are:
Mass vaccinations
There are two ‘remarkably effective’ vaccines and ‘we’ll finally start how to administer mass,’ Offit said, citing examples such as the Pennsylvania Convention Center or the Dodger Stadium. Meanwhile, two more vaccines – those of Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca – are “around the corner,” he added.
Warmer weather
“The weather will get warmer, when the weather gets warmer, which makes it much harder for this virus,” Offit said, explaining that when it is hot and humid, the virus, which is spread by tiny droplets, spreads less easily.
New political administration
Offit said the incoming Biden government “is not engaging in this cult of denial” that has surrounded the coronavirus response of the Trump administration, and that it will “put the problem on its head.”
A population that builds immunity
According to Offit, the number of people allegedly infected with coronavirus – 23 million – is underestimated. Many people have had an asymptomatic or mild symptomatic infection and have never been tested. The numbers infected are likely closer to 65 or 70 million, he said.
“It is 20% of the population that when they are exposed to this virus again, they will not get sick,” he said, although it is not clear how long immunity lasts after infection.
If another 55 to 60% of the population can be vaccinated – something that according to Offit can be done at a million to a million and a half doses a day – ‘then I really think that by June we will have the spread of this virus . ”