Guest Opinion | Dr. Carlene Fider and Dr. Cassandra Peel: Delta Means Change

In mathematics, the Delta symbol is used to describe a change of amount or quantity. In 2021, it has taken on a whole other meaning. Delta changed the course of the pandemic, by introducing a more contagious strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. Delta switched our early summer of sweetness to a later one of stark scientific realities. 

Our taste of normalcy was replaced with a sense of dread, in knowing that the pandemic is still evolving – and even though we are beyond exhausted, the virus is not finished spreading. With the newest COVID-19 variant, Omicron, putting the world on edge, the CDC is now advising that all adults should get the booster dose, which will likely become an official, required part of our vaccine program and societal reintegration. 

While the data about Omicron remains new, we do know that Omicron is the most highly transmissible of all the variants to date and is spreading rapidly across the globe. 

As a Pacific Oaks College community, we know that our students, faculty, and staff have sacrificed so much over these past few years, and it feels like we possibly can’t give up anymore – but there is something we can do. 

Following the science will lead us closer to the end of this period of the pandemic. 

Doing our part – making new plans and rituals, approaching life differently – is what will make this pandemic survivable for us all. Do it for small children under 5 who have yet to be eligible for a vaccine.

 Do it for people living around the globe who are desperate for their first dose, and don’t have access yet. Do it for the forgotten COVID long-haulers whose bodies are betraying them still, over a year after becoming ill. The lasting effects of the infection are still unknown and with that uncertainty comes an avalanche of physical, mental, social, and emotional concerns. 

Due to the ever-evolving nature of this virus, conversations regarding the non-medical impact of having the virus deserve acknowledgement and immediate policy action. These are some of changes that Delta has brought this year, and more will follow as we enter 2022 and reach the next phase of the pandemic. 

This holiday season, we challenge you to surrender to these changes and apply the lessons learned from Delta to Omicron. Years from now, when your child or grandchild asks you about what you did to help end the most devastating global event in the 21st century to date, what will you say? What did you change in your daily actions to help your community? What did you sacrifice? What were your unpopular acts of courage? How did you embrace the policy, follow the science and challenge others to do the same? That’s the meaning of Delta. Let’s embrace its very essence. 

Dr. Carlene Fider and Dr. Cassandra Peel

Core Faculty, Pacific Oaks College