Millions are returning home from Christmas in America this year, despite all the official handwringing over the necessity to exercise caution given the new omicron variation. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports that around 2.1 Million people travelled through checkpoints at airports between December 20 and 20, 2012.
It’s almost double what the 1,000,000 people thought was wise to travel the same day in the holiday season last year. This comes at a time when COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations reached record levels across large parts of the nation. According to the American Automobile Association, 34 percent more people will travel over 50 miles away from their home using all modes of transportation this year than last.
AAA reports that 2019’s overall travel levels are at 92%. The rebound in air travel has been a little slower, with only 85 percent returning to pre-pandemic levels.
The general picture you get is that the vast majority of Americans are ready to start living normal lives again after putting up with nearly two years of restrictions, mandates, and voluntary caution—omicron be damned.
Even the most cautious of public health professionals are approving of Christmas travel’s return.
Anthony Fauci (the federal government’s leading infectious disease expert) said on Sunday that “if you are vaccinated and boosted and take extra care to ensure you always have your mask on, it should be okay.”
Let’s pray!
Leana Wen, a CNN medical analyst and professor at George Washington University, said that New York City’s New Year’s Eve festivities should go ahead as planned. She stated that because it is outside, everyone must be vaccinated.
It is not my opinion that NYC Mayor De Blasio should pull out of the New Year festivities. This is outdoors & requires vaccination. Omicron has been increasing in number, however, we must continue high-value activities while taking precautions to reduce the risk. @BilldeBlasio @VictorBlackwell pic.twitter.com/tyOfQ5fT7g
— Leana Wen, M.D. (@DrLeanaWen) December 20, 2021
The following is a Washington Post Wen added that the “vaccinated and boosted” could decide to travel, dine out, see friends, and continue their vacations.
Wen said that “generally healthy people can conclude that there is a very small chance of them becoming severely ill with omicron.” Their fear of being hospitalized or suffering long-term symptoms could be more important than their desire to go back to pre-pandemic times.
Two years after the outbreak, this might seem like very naive advice. It’s still a big step for Wen, who was proposing quarantine and testing requirements for all international travelers regardless of vaccination status less than a month ago to contain the then–recently identified omicron variant.
She is keen to be certain that she still advocates for the continued use of high-quality indoor masks by those who have been vaccinated.
Fauci for his part has indicated that he feels air travellers should still wear masks to this and future Christmas flights. Great.
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You don’t need to fuck. The Wall Street Journal Today’s reports indicate that swearing has been more common during this pandemic. This is what the author writes Journal:
We swear even more due to pandemic stress, the amalgamation of professional and private spheres and the exhausted slide towards casualness. Michael Adams, an Indiana University Bloomington linguist says that it’s “a perfect swearing storm”.
Mentions [fuck]According to Storyful (a news agency and intelligence provider), shit, asshole and related variants rose 41% between full-year 2019 and 2021, through November, on Facebook, and 27% on Twitter.
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Some Democrats have urged President Joe Biden to sign portions of his Build Back Better bill via executive authority, despite it being dead on the ground. On Tuesday, House Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D–Wash.) Per The HillIt is incumbent upon President Biden that he keeps his promise to us, and the American people, by immediately using every tool in his executive action toolbox to take immediate steps in all areas.
This comes after Sen. Joe Manchin (D–W.Va.) After Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released a statement stating that he couldn’t vote against the BBB legislation due to its many temporary programs, frontloaded spending and delayed pay fors
Progressives decided to stop trying to get his vote.
Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, responded to questions about Jayapal’s remarks by saying that Biden has not been afraid of executive action in the past. However she stated that while the President doesn’t hesitate to take executive action when necessary, the “benefit of legislation is evident that it makes it more permanent.”
Another benefit is that policies are now constitutional.
QUICK LINKS
- According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Omicron variant accounts for 73% of all new COVID-19 infected individuals.
- Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists published a story about two psychiatrists who smuggled MDMA to the Soviet Union with the intention of giving it off to Kremlin officials involved in peace talks.
- After speaking with three experts, Major was finally let go by the president.
The WH has a pet news dump: Major, Major, and a new puppy will be adopted.
“After consulting with dog trainers, animal behaviorists, and veterinarians, the First Family has decided … it would be safest for Major to live in a quieter environment with family friends.”
— Katie Rogers (@katierogers) December 20, 2021
- According to a poll released Monday from PBS/NewsHour/NPR/Marist, Biden’s approval ratings have fallen to 41 percent.
- Biden’s administration is planning to send 500 million quick tests to Americans via mail starting next month.