Well, well, the scientific evidence is coming in thick and fast in regards to Covid. Thankfully countries such as the UK are doing actual in-depth scientific studies of what is happening with Covid and its effects on people. One of the most interesting articles in the Medical Journal, The Lancet, a UK study confirms what I suspected could happen with breakthrough infections with vaccinated people, in that they could have as high a viral load as the unvaxxed.

Their interpretation states: “Vaccination reduces the risk of delta variant infection and accelerates viral clearance. Nonetheless, fully vaccinated individuals with breakthrough infections have peak viral load similar to unvaccinated cases and can efficiently transmit infection in household settings, including to fully vaccinated contacts. Host–virus interactions early in infection may shape the entire viral trajectory.

“This is one of the reasons why our business, even with vaccinated people, has taken to the practice of undertaking weekly Covid testing from 6 weeks ago. We based this on being responsible to the people we deal with and ensuring that we are not carriers of Covid into our communities. In light of the weight of evidence that scientists around the world are finding and reporting on now, I think it should start to be of concern to fellow New Zealanders, that we aren’t expanding the wider Covid testing of more people, regardless of their vax status, to ensure minimising Covid spread.

I think we should all be questioning the logic of allowing untested vaccinated people to travel after the 15th of December, given that studies are suggesting that they could have viral loads that match the unvaccinated should they have a breakthrough infection while on the move.

Food for thought…As always, stay safe, stay well and stay thinking.

By Tom Webb

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00648-4/fulltext?fbclid=IwAR1Xz2LjwP5ESCPdCLyAaiokkWfciquYMwiAbEnFor2UAoCu4i-sicTNlK0