DOTHAN, Ala. – Since January 20th of this year, covid-19 has changed the livelihoods of Americans.
The pandemic has forced people to quarantine, cities to shut down, and has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in the country.
As the days pass, doctors and scientists are learning more about the virus and how to stop it.
“We have a better handle on how to treat COVID, how to manage it, which helps patients, and what doesn’t. I think the mortality rate has declined somewhat,” says Southeast Health chief medical office George Narby.
But the fight isn’t over yet.
“We here at Southeast Health have obvious evidence that the surge is continuing. We have more patients in the hospital now with COVID than at any time at all during this pandemic,” says Narby.
With an effective vaccine, doctors can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Make no mistake though. It’s going to take a lot of time,” says Narby.
Doctors say in order for the vaccine to have a true impact on the population, 70 to 80% of Americans have to receive the vaccine.
But, it could be months before it is readily available to the general public so doctors encourage the community to endure face masks, social distancing, and frequent handwashing for a little while longer.
“We’re all exhausted but we need to continue to do those things while we all wait for that vaccine to become more available,” Narby.
So when will things return to the way they were before the pandemic?
“In light of all that, I expect things will be somewhat more normal by this time next year,” says Narby.
Health professionals are discouraging large gatherings for the New Year’s holiday.
The CDC has created a list of guidelines for new year’s celebrations.
