I learnt this term today. Simply put, 60% of the total population will get infected by the virus, in doing so, hopefully most people gain immunity against this virus. Frankly speaking, the infirm and old will die from it. Young and strong may recover from it and are immune from the virus attack. This is the most irresponsible and unethical method to contain COVID-19. Herd immunity is used when there is vaccine. But we don’t have vaccine for COVID-19 till now.
First, COVID-19 is such a new virus that our doctors and scientists know little about it. No one can ensure young and strong will mostly recover from it. How about there is sequela after infection? As it is RNA virus, it is highly mutable. We can’t ensure the virus will not gain virulence during its mutation. We can’t make sure people can be immune from the virus resurgence.
Second, as China and South Korea have proved the strict containment is effective, method like herd immunity is the worst decision ever made. It is like a gambling, putting many lives into risk. It is the excuse of an incompetent government.
Third, measures like herd immunity will be the retrogress of humanity and civilization. Giving up your beloved ones is heartbreaking, no matter it sounds how “scientific”.
Be proactive! Act quickly and decisively, please!