For more than two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an evolving and fast-paced changing situation. The orders, regulations, and restrictions have been different depending on where you are in the country or the world. And the guidance has changed many times, sometimes suddenly, for various reasons. Mixed messaging has been widespread and can be frustrating because it can cause confusion, doubt, and panic.
In March 2020 when the pandemic first began, there was mixed messaging about masks and whether they were effective and would help stop the transmission of the novel coronavirus. At first, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that masks would not prevent the transmission of COVID-19, and people across the US were asked to stop purchasing and hoarding masks as there was an incredible shortage, which affected healthcare providers. However, after studying the virus and learning more about the potential modes of transmission this guidance quickly changed. Within a month, the mask guidance was reversed, and masks were required in practically all public settings.
Unfortunately, mixed messaging has been prevalent throughout the pandemic and may continue to occur. Inconsistent guidance and messaging causes doubt about whether the authorities can be trusted, and confusion about what to do to stay safe and healthy. It is incredibly important that the CDC and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health be transparent about their decisions and state the reasoning behind them. Specifically, by promoting transparency, there can be less doubt and confusion among the public. The worst-case scenario is that confusion leads to widespread panic, which is something that the United States experienced at the beginning of the pandemic in March and April 2020 when necessities were not available or could only be found at highly inflated prices. For example, toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer could not be found at grocery stores or pharmacies. Panic behaviors caused by confusion left many families vulnerable during an unprecedented time.
In addition to mixed messaging, changes to various guidelines have been enacted and many people have questioned the science behind these changes. For example, in December 2021, the CDC changed the isolation guidelines by decreasing the number of quarantine days if a person tested positive or was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Many people across the United States were thoroughly confused as to why the rules suddenly changed. Most recently, in Philadelphia, the mask mandate was reinstated due to an increase in COVID-19 cases; however, by the end of the week, the mandate was dropped again.
COVID-19 guidance will continue to change and evolve based on the rates of infection, hospitalization, and death. Authorities making the decisions are trying to respond to the ever-changing conditions, as well as the advancement of scientific understanding of the disease. It is important to understand that just because COVID-19 guidance changes, this does not mean that the original guidance was incorrect. Instead, we are learning more about the virus and the science behind the vaccine. Therefore, the situation changes, and we have to adapt to what is occurring so that we have the best health outcomes. However, one message has remained clear, which is that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free for everyone in the United States regardless of immigration status. Additionally, getting vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 is the best possible way to decrease your overall risk of becoming severely ill, being hospitalized, and facing death. This has remained true throughout the ups and downs of masking, social distancing, and quarantine.
Currently, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has retired its COVID-19 response levels and strongly recommends masks in indoor public settings. However, these guidelines may not remain the same in the coming months, and we should all remain attentive to the situation and be ready to adapt so we can continue to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
