Optimism is spreading in the US as COVID-19 deaths continue to decrease and states are starting to ease restrictions and open vaccinations to younger adults.
But in Europe, the scenario is different with another wave of infections forcing school closures and new lockdowns. Why is this happening? It can certainly be attributed to the faster vaccine rollout in the US (slower vaccination in Europe) and the greater spread of more contagious variants in Europe.
What’s happening in Europe should serve as a warning against dropping safeguards too early, as many of the same variants are already spreading in the rest of the world at lower levels.
The virus will just keep on spreading until it infects everyone but we can stop it just like New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and many other countries. So what can we do? We need to have a layered approach to our pandemic defense.
The Swiss Cheese Model illustrates the importance of using multiple, layered controls to help decrease the spread of a respiratory virus. While handwashing, physical distancing, wearing a mask, improved ventilation, widespread testing, contact tracing, and quarantine and isolation are all incredibly important in fighting COVID-19, no intervention—not even a vaccine—is 100% effective.
To overcome these “imperfections” in our pandemic defense, or the gaps in the Swiss cheese, it is essential that we look beyond a cure-all, or “silver bullet”, and use as many safety precautions as practicable to amplify our safety. So just like the previous wave and upcoming waves – it’s really up to all of us.*
Dr. Melvin Sanicas (@Vaccinologist) is a physician-scientist specializing in vaccines, infectious diseases, and global health.