The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
COVID Bits
“Please get vaccinated now. It works. It’s free. It’s never been easier, and it’s never been more important.”—President Joe Biden.
Roughly a third of U.S. adults still haven’t received a vaccine shot.
“Every time we have a more transmissible variant, the number of people that need to be fully vaccinated to get to herd immunity goes up.”—USF virologist Dr. Michael Teng.
The Delta variant, which appears to be about 40 percent more transmissible than the Alpha variant, is now the dominant COVID-19 strain in Florida. Tracking data indicates it is present in 34 counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando.
“You’ve got another lottery going on and it’s the death lottery.” That was West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice, in reference to those in his state who are vaccine-hesitant. West Virginia is among the states offering vaccinated residents entry in lotteries for money, cars and firearms.
“The night belongs to the vaccinated. Time to join them.” From a social media ad by Heineken.
An increase in automation, notably in service industries, may turn out to be an economic legacy of the pandemic.
United Airlines said its winter schedule to Florida will be larger than it was in 2019, before the pandemic crushed air travel.
Surreal approach: The Dali Museum was the recent site of a vaccine clinic. No appointments, no charge. All three vaccines were available. Plus, those who got vaccinated also got a $10 food voucher.