How can Americans Still Be This Ignorant?

Dr Eric Topol wrote this in his latest Ground Truths column:  "Sorry, the Pandemic Isn't Over: Even if BA.2.86 doesn’t pose a real threat by virtue of low transmission, or its further evolution proves to be relatively benign, the fact that the inexorable evolution of the virus continues—to find new hosts and repeat hosts—cannot be ignored. If this isn’t “the one” it ought to signify that “the one” is still yet to come. If it never shows up, that’s great. But you sure don’t want to bet on that. All of us wish this was behind us, but it’s not. Facing that fact this virus, in one version or another, will be with us for many years to come, rather than denialism and complacency, is critical."

From the UK Guardian: "Americans at high risk advised to wear masks as new Covid variant detected. As authorities revealed that a new Covid-19 variant has been detected in the US, medical experts are emphasizing that high-risk persons resume masking to prevent potentially deadly infection. Warnings from these physicians come amid an ongoing increase in Covid-19 hospitalizations."  Actually, all Americans should be wearing masks to protect themselves and others. The lack of a unified response here is disgraceful.

How can Americans continue to be this ignorant? This headline comes from the UK Daily Mail: "America's antivaxx crisis laid bare: A QUARTER believe MMR shot causes autism and a THIRD think the Covid vaccines killed thousands, poll finds."

We are in big trouble, and we need better messaging from the White House and from the CDC.