7 Min Read
Published on: 5 hours ago
One of the most negative components of how the pandemic has been managed has to do with psychological factors. From the impact of the initial lockdown to pandemic fatigue, the role of behaviors and beliefs in following mitigating measures (e.g., wearing a face mask, social distancing, hand washing), and now getting vaccinated, all have a major impact on ending the pandemic and saving lives.
A few months ago, my wife and I joined a WhatsApp group created by our former high-school classmates as we are approaching our 50th graduation anniversary. We enjoyed seeing pictures of their children and grandchildren, their gardens and homes, and stories of old. However, we were not prepared to see the intense reaction of many regarding the pandemic and now the vaccines: “COVID is a hoax”; “This is a maneuver from those in power to control the people”; “The vaccines are dangerous”; “If you get vaccinated you are a guinea pig”; “Trust the natural remedies instead”; “Where do you place your trust? Aren’t you supposed to trust God?”