Originally Posted by
LongShortLong
I'm in one of the most vaxxed counties and we're only at 70% (83% of eligible). We have an indoor mask mandate and recommendations for outdoors, distancing, notification, tracing, travel, etc. Some regional counties have vaccine passports. Cases are falling gradually, still 10x higher than three months ago. People are more careful here. If we went back to normal, I expect Covid would surge. So I don't think a mandate becomes irrelevant at 80% vaxxed. Maybe at 90%
As for mandates, I agree that politically, mandates will be tough, especially in more resistant areas. A mandate means little if no one enforces it. If few people like the policy, there won't be much enforcement. See speed limits everywhere not named Seatlle.
If/when it becomes clear that highly vaxxed areas have very few cases and very few restrictions, that will draw attention and support. Some people will refuse to see the obvious, but enough will support mandates. The mandate will save those caught in social media bubbles. Not everywhere is there yet.
I remember when no one wanted seatbelts. Then no one wanted shoulder belts. Then SRS was hated. Now everyone wears seatbelts, has a strong rollover safety cage, 15 airbags, a stability program, and a computer backseat driving. We adapted.