Are We There Yet? Reflections on Life during a Pandemic

Abstract

Public health practitioners and scientists in the United States have been attempting to limit the damage from a perfect storm caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic and resulting economic downturn, increasing racial tensions as a result of the witnessed public murder of a Black man at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, and increasing gun violence. Many citizens of the United States have become distrustful of government, and political tensions remain high following the contested presidential election in the fall of 2020. Therefore, public health recommendations to limit social gatherings, wear masks, and limit travel have been met with both support and resistance throughout the nation. If the COVID-19 virus can be effectively managed, it will require the public to adhere to public health recommendations. The health of all of us depends on the health of each of us.