If we don’t reach 70 percent, then its going to take a really long time."
“I’ve seen as high as 90 percent.”
In short, yes.
Getty Images
How many people get the vaccine is probably the most important factor in beating the clock.
Part of that hinges, Drain says, on making the vaccine available to more people.
Right now, there simply aren’t enough vaccines available to protect everyone eligible.
Herd immunity is the first step in returning to pre-pandemic life.
But even when the majority of Americans have antibodies to COVID-19, masks probably won’t disappear altogether.
“But we hope the general population doesn’t have to continue wearing a mask in public.”
Hamer estimates if things go as planned, COVID-19 cases might decrease by late spring or summer.
But even at that point, Hamer says you may still need to wear a mask in public.
Since not everyone in the population will be immune, its important to continue protecting them.
“We shouldn’t be telling people to throw away their masks,” Hamer says.
