It is on our minds, isn't it? What can we do and not do safely with one vaccination and then with two - completing the vaccination. The US was all aflutter a few days ago, as the CDC came out with guidance on who can do what, depending on the vaccination status of people. They have 4 scenarios:
fully
almost
families with young children
unvaccinated
And of course, they say that the fully vaccinated can return to unmasked, free movement lives. Supposedly that is 36% of the US population. How many Americans remain to be vaccinated? The number given is 40%. That's a big spread, isn't it? So the reaction to the CDC advice was immediate. And the four scenarios unravelled into a myriad of variations.
USA Today responded with a bit of a blast: "Most people lie about once a day, and about 25% of people lie about consequential things. The greater the incentive and the lower the risk, the more likely people are to lie, researchers said. "That's a major problem in the context of differing rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated people" Lee said. It's "very, very likely people are going to lie ... because there’s no verification system and no punishment." U.S. businesses say they don't intend to ask - Disney attractions are going to stop taking temperatures. USA Today's analogy? "You don't use the honour system for selling houses. The higher the stakes, the higher the violations."
So it occurred to me to check on how well America fares on honesty compared to other countries. Most countries are discussing vaccination passports and identification cards - seemingly aware of honesty levels within their populations.
I went on a search to find some statistical data. I found a research study which produced a list of the most dishonest countries HERE. They used two situations for their test, and the results differed by situation. What was consistent over the tests, was that the Chinese came out most dishonest overall, and Great Britain was the most honest.
Our picture today comes from the Sundance Railroad and its theme Old Faith Church seems to go with our topic of the day.
No one won the Lottery yesterday, and that got me thinking about the Olympics. I wonder what the odds are that they can proceed. I have all kinds of questions and thoughts. Maybe it will be Chile, Israel, and the U.S. They are the top three on vaccinations.
Wait! IOC has revealed that China has offered vaccines Tokyo and Beijing Olympic athletes. There we have it. The Vaccination lottery. Bach added: "For each of these doses, the IOC will pay for two doses more which can be made available to the population in the respective countries." Is that a variety of bribe? Maybe it is hush money.
Meanwhile, Sarah Hirshland, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee chief executive, said Team USA athletes could be vaccinated before their respective trials because of the pace of the rollout in the country.
"The broad base of athletes may have access to the vaccine sooner than we thought initially possible," she said.
"This is great news and we're feeling really positive about the progress we're seeing here in the United States, both in its advantage to US athletes as well as international athletes living and training in our country right now."
What about the headline that COVID vaccines won't be compulsory for the Tokyo Olympics.
And then who will be able to watch the games? The decision on whether to let foreign fans to travel will be made before the start of the Olympic torch relay on March 25th.
So back to the odds: This year bookies are rather offering wagering options on yes/no – whether the 2021 Tokyo Olympics will take place with spectators. At the moment, the odds heavily favor spectators being allowed to attend.
What’s interesting is that there’s no option to bet on Tokyo Olympics getting postponed once again, suggesting that sportsbooks believe the Games will happen this summer. Last year, at the time when the pandemic was spreading around the world at a super-fast pace, the oddsmakers guessed correctly that the Games were going to get postponed.
This is the Royal Horticultural Society symbol, with a colourful montage background.
