The recent surge in coronavirus cases has revived some of the fierce debates that animated national — and local — policy throughout the first two-and-a-half years of the pandemic.
Although hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 are occurring at much lower rates than during the delta and omicron waves, the spike is significant enough for the coronavirus to be in the news again — which inevitably means a whole new round of ferocious attacks. Discussions about masks, vaccines and lockdowns.
These debates suggest that bitter feelings still exist across the political spectrum, even if the pandemic is technically “over.” On the left, many believe restrictions like the mask mandate were dropped too soon. For the right, schools have remained closed for too long, and other restrictions have proven ineffective.
Although some schools have temporarily closed for in-person instruction, and some institutions have asked people to wear masks again, there is no sense in public health or elected officials reinstating any major restrictions.
This has not stopped politicians from brandishing some of their favorite arguments and attacks related to the pandemic.
Read more on Yahoo News: The new “Pirola” coronavirus variant has led to a rise in cases across the United States and CanadaVia Independent
Covid is back in the White House
Earlier this month, the White House announced that First Lady Jill Biden had tested positive for Covid-19. President Biden, who spent the weekend with her in Delaware, tested negative — and has continued to do so.
Biden also boasted about masking rules, which the White House said he would abide by. At a midweek event at the White House, he made sure to carry a mask without actually wearing one. “They keep telling me, ‘Because this has to last 10 days or something, I have to keep wearing it. But don’t tell them I didn’t wear it when I walked in,'” the president joked.
From the beginning, his administration has demonstrated competence and expertise when it comes to the pandemic. But the president himself is keenly aware that many Americans have moved on from the pandemic. He also knows that his conservative opponents want to portray him as a supporter of tougher public health measures: “Be prepared: Biden sets the stage for another round of coronavirus lockdowns.” Misleading headline for the Washington Examiner He said recently.
Last week also saw the publication The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden’s White House and the Fight for America’s FutureBy The Atlantic writer Franklin Foer. Feuer describes Biden as siding with teachers unions who are cautious about reopening schools, which many believe should have happened much sooner.
Read more on Yahoo News: Inside the Biden White House: 5 takeaways from Franklin Foer’s new book ‘The Last Politician’
Trump and DeSantis reconsider 2020
Gov. Ron DeSantis first gained attention for his hands-off approach to the coronavirus. He was skeptical of closures and urged schools to reopen in the fall of 2020, at a time when many Democratic governors had refused to take the same step. Later, he took more modern positions on masks and vaccines, endearing him more to conservatives. His handling of the pandemic propelled him to a landslide victory in last year’s midterm elections.
Trump’s handling of the pandemic has been less erratic. It is best symbolized by his infamous advice to inject bleach (Which people should not do for any reason.) He initially urged caution, then embraced controversial scholars who favored a laissez-faire approach. Some people think so His response to the pandemic cost him the 2020 election.
DeSantis has used the recent small wave to revive the pandemic-era positions that made him prominent in the first place. A recent fundraising letter declared that we “will not abide” by new coronavirus restrictions, which have only been implemented in a handful of jurisdictions across the country. The struggling DeSantis campaign is also selling lawn signs that say: “This is a mask-free house.”
The rollout of a new coronavirus booster this week also gave DeSantis an opportunity to remind voters of his opposition to vaccines.
For his part, Trump attacked DeSantis by distorting his positions. “Ron should take a look in the mirror and ask himself why he is trying to gaslight voters,” a Trump campaign spokesperson told the New York Times.
Read more on Yahoo News: Why Ron DeSantis can’t stop talking about coronavirus
Will voters be affected?
Probably not.
The current wave is likely to subside in the next few weeks.
The future will inevitably bring new waves, but if sub-Omicron variants continue on their current evolutionary path, they are unlikely to cause serious illness or death.
With each wave, political differences may be renewed, especially as the presidential elections approach. But it’s not clear whether these controversies can hold public attention for long: According to a recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll, only 7% of Americans are “very concerned” about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Read more about Yahoo Finance: The U.S. approval of fall boosters comes amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases
