The split-screen images could be a glimpse of what public health experts say may lie ahead for the U.S. even as the economy opens up again and life gets back to something close to normal: outbreaks in corners of the country with low vaccination rates.
Northeastern states have seen cases, deaths and hospitalizations plummet to almost nothing amid widespread acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Spectators cheer as participants march up the Canyon of Heroes during a parade honoring essential workers for their efforts in getting New York City through the Covid-19 pandemic on July 7, 2021, in New York.Mercy Hospital Springfield reported Tuesday that it had more than 120 patients hospitalized with Covid-19 — the highest total since the pandemic began. Seventeen people died in the latest two-week reporting period in the county that surrounds Springfield, the most since January.
Missouri also never had a statewide mask mandate. The sentiment against government intervention is so strong that Brian Steele, mayor of the Springfield suburb of Nixa, is facing a recall vote after imposing a mask rule, even though it has long since expired. Citing the rise in cases, the Springfield school district reinstated its mask requirement for its summer program starting Wednesday.