Seems like we're getting to a point where there may simply be two separate Americas: one where people choose or must take their chances with the virus (and unfortunately the healthcare systems around them remain in crisis) and one where norms are accepted to reduce COVID death.
And where those Americas happen to intersect, there may be flare-ups of confrontation (and crowded ICUs.) But for the most part, states, cities and businesses that choose norms and COVID reduction could well return to something approximating "normal" vs the "open COVID" spaces.
And if these variants don't slow down, what will that do to decisionmaking by corporations and industries as they choose where to locate? And what is the impact on tourism and on these states' relative economies? (States like Vermont are already advertising their high vax rates.)
The Biden administration is re-opening international travel. So do international visitors wind up feeling more comfortable doing a New York City/Broadway shows vacay or a trip to California or Vermont because those places are COVID-safer vs heading to Miami, Texas or NOLA?
We'll see. GA bounced way back with movie production this year after last year's COVID slowdown and a brief call for boycotts over their anti-voter law. But if Brian Kemp (who apparently thinks there's an AIDS vaccine??) keeps turning himself into a more DeSantis like governor...
Who knows. But it's a genuine question. Are we just going to have to live with two Americas: one where COVID sickness and death becomes endemic, and one largely emerging from COVID hell? We're starting that conversation tonight on @thereidout. Share your thoughts below!
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