Letter: No time to be an anti-vaxxer
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Aaron Davidson, holding a sign that read ÒClosing the gap of social distancing, free hugs if you dareÓ is almost knocked off his feet as Ksniya Kniazeva leaps into his arms. About 1,000 people protested the government mandated shutdown of businesses on the grounds of Salt Lake City Hall, Saturday. The protest was organized by Utah Business Revival aimed at Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilsonand Governor Gary Herbert policies on COVID-19 and social distancing, April 18, 2020.
Herd immunity occurs when around 90% of the population has effective antibodies to a contagious disease. COVID-19 is apparently about as deadly but more contagious than the flu. In lieu of a vaccine for COVID-19, social distancing and personal protective equipment act like a vaccine.
Just like anti-vaxxers with measles and mumps, those who claim it is their right to mingle threaten themselves, their families and others with contagion from COVID-19. Hundreds of these anti-vaxxers recently defied stay-at-home orders back east to demand their right to go back to work and this anti-vaxxer pressure is developing in Utah.
While social distancing is inconvenient and seriously hurting people, it is our only vaccine until one is developed by medical science. It provides our only herd immunity. So folks, for your sake and the sake of the rest of us, please don’t be an anti-vaxxer and do continue to observe the guidelines.
L. Cameron Mosher, Holladay
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