Covid seems to be the never-ending theme of 2020. After the vaccine was distributed to most Americans, the CDC loosened its restriction recommendations. Following this recommendation, most corporations, stores, and schools also loosened their restrictions. Two months after lifting the mask mandate, the CDC has now recommended the mask in high-risk areas. Last week, the CDC gave no indication of changing their mind, but as the Delta strain continues to surge there has been a reversal in recommendations. Unvaccinated people are getting hit the worst, the Variety article claims that “over 99% of the COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths we are seeing are among unvaccinated individuals” (Shanfeld). These unvaccinated people are also highly contributing to the spread of covid because they are more susceptible to getting covid. Now, unvaccinated people are also paying for the unvaccinated people’s decisions. The surge in cases has impeded much organization including the Olympics and Hollywood productions. Some examples listed in the article are, “Hulu’s ‘Woke’ suspended production twice in one week due to coronavirus outbreaks, while HBO paused production on ‘Westworld’ for two days. Netflix’s ‘Brigerton’ and HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon,’ the ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel, also had to suspend production in the U.K.” (Shanfeld). These are just a few examples of the current situation that Covid is affecting, and as a Penn State Summer Session student, I am starting to fear how this will affect our Fall semester.

Penn State had a good four weeks with no Covid scares, but this past week there have been over 8 cases. These numbers started with 2 cases a few days ago, and since have continued to go up. Penn State should take action now and implement rules before it escalates. There is no reason the University should make the same mistakes that were made last year. I do not want to miss out on in-person classes and miss the infamous Football Games. It is time for PSU to step up and set covid prevention rules.

Shanfeld, Ethan. “CDC Recommends Some Vaccinated People RESUME Wearing Masks Indoors.” Variety, Variety, 27 July 2021, variety.com/2021/politics/news/cdc-masks-indoors-vaccinated-1235028381/.