Cliff’s Take: Americans In Wait And See Mode
As the vaccine rollout speeds up, are we finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel? We just might be.
To be clear, we aren’t out of the woods yet. But at least we know what needs to happen next. It’s simple, right? The faster we can get to herd immunity, or the point when enough people have been inoculated to stop the spread of the virus, the faster we can get back to normal.
We even have some idea of when that might be. It could be as early as next fall, by official estimates. Some encouraging signs. The 7-day moving average of doses administered is now around 1.3 million, a huge leap from just under 300,000 at the end of December.
If the pace keeps up or even improves, we could be on our way to reemerging into the world happy and carefree.
In the meantime, don’t underestimate American resilience. Most Americans have settled in for the long haul. But we are all antsy for greater human interaction in open spaces.
Below are some of the week’s data highlights:
- Smooth sailing. For Biden, so far, so good. Partisan differences aside, Americans are happy with how Biden is handling his first few days in office. Ultimately, he will be judged on whether he can corral the pandemic – making the vaccine distribution process all important.
- 50/50. Biden promised to deliver 100 million vaccines in his first 100 days in office. Ambitious? Perhaps not, Biden’s own administration acknowledges as much. Even so, Americans are divided on whether Biden will be able to deliver. The proof will be in the pudding.
- Vaccine boondoggle. Vaccine rollout was initially rocky. Things have sped up since. But Americans aren't exactly finding it easy to figure out where and how to get vaccines. Burdening the elderly most of all.
- Slow Burn. Most Americans are a practical lot. Most think we won't be back to some semblance of pre-COVID normal until at least summer’s end. Uncertainty is COVID-normal.
- Travel maybe yes, maybe no. Many have cash to burn, but little fun out there in our COVID world. No movies; no restaurants; no events; no concerts—not much fun. When this is all over, many plan to travel; just as many others have no special plans. Our divided America!
As always, be safe, be sane.
For more information, please contact:
Clifford Young
President, U.S.
Public Affairs
+1 202 420-2016
[email protected]
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