A pandemic becomes endemic largely when politicians no longer see any political gain from arguing about it and when the media gets tired of covering the carnage. Americans have become comfortable with about 1000 deaths a day.
Russia has 358,000 reported deaths due to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. That is likely a vast underestimate of the true number since Russia wants to project strength as it goes to war. When discussing Russian deaths due to the war, a Russin military commentator said, “It’s almost a state secret,” the commentator asked not to be quoted by name. “We don’t know exactly [how many people have died] … at the given moment, it’s better to discuss other questions.” On March 21, 2022, The Russian defense ministry data showed 9,861 Russian soldiers had been killed in action. That is about 333 Russian deaths per day. On March 22, 2022 there were 472 death due to COVID-19 reported in Russia.
In Ukraine the reported deaths due to COVID-19 have literally dropped to zero since the invasion by Russia since there is no working health care system to track the numbers. The only deaths being reported are those who are being shot and blown apart by Russian bombs. Prior to the invasion, Ukraine reported 112,000 deaths due to COVID-19.
BA.2 is ripping through Europe and now makes up about 30% of the cases in America. It is 30% more infectious than Omicron. That makes BA.2 as infectious as the measles. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.
Prior infection from Omicron has built up the immunity for those who were not vaccinated. It has inoculated many of the stupid and stubborn. About 75% of the American population has been previously infected or has been fully vaccinated. These people are about 85% protected against severe disease and hospitalization. The other 25% of Americans are highly vulnerable to the next wave coming in the following weeks. Anyone over 65 is is more vulnerable to hospitalization and possible death. Basically everyone will be exposed to BA.2 and 25% of Americans are vulnerable simply because they refused to get vaccinated. People will die needlessly based on a misguided choice. In Ukraine no one has a choice. The bombs are indiscriminate and can kill anyone at any time. Americans do not understand that level of uncertainty and many choose to ignore it.