Is the Covid-19 Pandemic Really Over?

By: Veronica Leighton

 

Now that we anxiously believe that the Covid-19 pandemic is over as we listen to some authorities like the CDC and government officials who have lifted the lockdown orders, unmasking mandates, and strictly imposing the vaccines throughout the country, the news of a new variant named Delta has been creating a panic mode among the population. We can’t help but stop, look and listen, particularly to the news and surveys that are coming out lately, like this one…”A new Gallup Poll survey finds that only three in 10 Americans think the pandemic is over. But by a purely scientific measure in the United States, it sure seems like the worst is over. New cases have been in steady decline since late March, with a few regional spikes. Many retailers have abandoned mask mandates and restaurants are essentially back to full capacity in areas where restrictions have been completely lifted. Only 29% feel as if the pandemic is over. The poll was taken between June 14-20, just as summer was ramping up and asked: “In your opinion, is the coronavirus pandemic over in the U.S. or not?”

Even though 89% of Americans say the COVID-19 situation is getting better and a majority report that their lives are not being affected much, they still say the pandemic is not over. A full 65% of respondents say healthy people need to get back to normal rather than staying home. This is smart since transmission within households is significantly higher than out in public, for the most part. And outdoors is one of the safest places you can be. Despite the fact that a majority of Americans say the pandemic is ongoing, air travel reached 75% of pre-pandemic levels over Memorial Day weekend. Disneyland dropped pandemic rules on June 15 and experienced huge crowds and long lines. Spring break came to Florida beaches without any significant issues, even though the travelers likely were not practicing a whole lot of social distancing.”

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Worse news scenario for many of us this summer is the rise of gas prices by 40 Percent Since January 1st – Highest In Seven Years , whether you’re driving or not Less than a year ago, the United States was energy independent and prices were at historic lows.

In the six months since Joe Biden was sworn in as president, gas prices have risen by a staggering 40 percent. How did that happen?

As you might recall, he closed down the Keystone XL Pipeline as one of his first acts as president.

American motorists can expect to pay more to fill up their tanks at least through the end of August, according to AAA. The average price of gas nationwide has climbed to $3.13, a high for the year and up 40% since January 1. “We believe fuel costs will rise another 10 to 20 cents at the pump between now and the end of August,” Jeanette McGee. The main factors behind the steep climb in gas prices: rising global oil prices, businesses reopening as COVID-19 eases across most of the U.S. and pent-up demand for travel, she added.

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As we reported in our last month’s (June 2021) issue about the topic of “Lions Clubs Come and Go,” particularly among the Filipino clubs in District I-A, we specifically mentioned about the recent sad demise of the Magnificent Lions Club that was chartered under the presidency of JetJet Gruezo Rome in 2015. And, rumors of missing funds from some dissatisfied members have arisen and needed to be answered.

Happy to hear from JetJet herself through a text message, briefly saying that the story was all “hearsays and misconceptions.” She has also expressed her desire to meet with me in person after my VT deadline to narrate her own story as to what happened to this “magnomalous club”. Also happy to mention that Ms. Alicia Monk, the last treasurer of the now-defunct Magnificent Club under the presidency of Ron Vergara has emailed me copies of the checks that she had submitted to the International Lions Club Foundation before she closed the books in the amount of $2,235.93. She has recently moved to Las Vegas with her husband.

Hopefully, this halfanswers some open-ended questions and will make some raised eyebrows to come down momentarily. Will keep our readers posted with my meeting with JetJet in our next August issue.

Meanwhile, although one club dies, another club rises, just like the phoenix. A new Lions Club in town was born by the name of Chicago Global Lions Club (CGLC), headed by Ms. Myrna Mahant, with some members composing of individuals from the Magnificent Lions Club. Its successful chartered induction was held last July 9, 2021 at the Alegra Banquets. Congratulations to the new officers and members of CGLC! Please read the pre-induction story written by our columnist Ryan Tejero in this issue, and some photos taken of the event on this page.