The coronavirus is surging in Montana, thanks to the anti-science crowd…

Thanks primarily to the anti-science crowd (the anti-vaxxers and anti-maskers) the coronavirus pandemic is surging again in Montana. Fortunately, the Omicron variant appears to cause less death, although death and chronic medical problems after infection are still very real possibilities. Being vaccinated significantly reduces your chances of get the coronavirus and, if you get the virus after vaccination (especially if you get boosted), you are much less likely to get seriously ill. Please, get vaccinated (and boosted) and, in crowded places, wear a mask (as an added bonus, when you wear a mask you are less likely to contract other things, like the flu or the common cold). Another upside to as many people being possible is that extensive vaccination reduces the likelihood of variants developing. Informative read here on the current state of affairs:

https://dailymontanan.com/2022/01/11/health-officials-warn-of-hospital-overcrowding-with-oncoming-omicron-surge/?

Graph courtesy of the Montana Free Press.