Since the start of the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, cases have begun to drop. On Feb. 8, there were 129,961 new cases in the United States, decreasing from a peak of almost 300,000 new local cases per day on Jan. 8.

Pennsylvania has also experienced this positive impact, with 100,000 fewer active cases than in late December. Still in phase 1A of the vaccine distribution (including healthcare personnel, persons over 65 and persons 18 to 64 with an underlying health condition), Montgomery County continues to focus on health workers and essential workers. However, Montgomery County’s wait line is 140,000 people deep, as Philadelphia is expected to be vaccinating residents for at least a year. 

“There will be enough vaccine for all of us that want it, but there is not enough today,” stated Commissioner Val Arkoosh, according to a Feb. 3 article from Patch.  As for the next phases, the county is still uncertain about available quantities, citing an “extremely limited” supply, and there is currently no specific date or waitlist for those who qualify.

However, Pottstown, along with the rest of the country, is hopeful of seeing a decrease in active cases. Though Cathy Skitko, director of Hobart’s Run communications, does not know all the details, she is keeping an eye on the COVID-19 cases in The Hill School community and beyond. “I’m optimistic about the [impact of the vaccine] and the vaccine distribution in our community,” Skitko said. Skitko also elaborated on the predicted impact of the vaccine on the community in a previous interview for The Hill News.

On the international level, the next steps for the vaccine focus on securing a second dose and ensuring that masks, testing and social distancing continue to be practiced. Dr. ZhongPei Bian, a member of the state-owned RuiJin Hospital in Shanghai and the reporter’s grandfather, explained that the vaccine does not mean the virus is null. “It is important for America now to keep vaccinating but to also continue to improve on the foundational practices: wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands, and testing as often as possible,” Bian said. As an established member of the Shanghai healthcare system, Bian was involved in the effort to stop the coronavirus in China last year. Yesterday, for the first time in nearly two months, China has reported no new local infections and is the only major economy boasting a recovering economy amid the pandemic. China’s methods have been effective at containing the virus, and Bian hopes America can do the same. Across the world, Bian, like many others, is keeping an eye on the coronavirus progression in the United States, with hope for a safer world for all.