When can we really expect things to get better?

DETROIT – Due to the new year, Michigan did not release the state numbers in COVID Thursday or Friday.

An update is expected for Saturday, which will contain data from the past few days.

As the vaccine launch continues, many people are thrilled that 2020 has finally passed. While this does not mean that the coronavirus disappeared at midnight, experts are evaluating when it is realistic to expect things to return to normal.

Current estimates believe it is likely to be closer to the end of 2021. Although there are vaccines, the number of people who will be vaccinated and the speed will affect this schedule.

Dr. Matthew Sims is the director of infectious disease research at Beaumont Royal Oak. He said that wearing masks, social distance and other care will remain until at least 70% of the population is vaccinated.

“We will need this until it is close to 70%,” said Sims. “And that is what will lead us to that 70%.”

He’s not the only one who thinks that. Dr. Frank McGeorge himself from site 4 – an ER doctor at Henry Ford – said the same thing.

“There is already evidence that the vaccine will be hesitant, especially in minority communities. There are also some things we don’t know about vaccines that will play a role – how effectively they will stop transmission, not just symptomatic diseases, which is a big difference, ”said McGeorge. “Furthermore, how long does immunity last? These things will affect the time needed to achieve broad public immunity. “

The same thoughts are maintained at the national level. Dr. Anthony Fauci said that masks, social distance and other precautions will have to be maintained until most people are vaccinated.

It is possible that restrictions will ease during the summer, but things are not expected to return to normal until near the end of the year.