[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 27, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S5090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                              Coronavirus

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, my wife and I received our COVID 
vaccinations, and we were grateful to the scientists, the doctors, the 
nurses, and everyone else who made those miracle medicines possible.
  It is a relief to see vaccination numbers in this country picking up 
a little bit in the last few days after declining for months.
  It is a relief to hear some of the loudest anti-vax quacks change 
their tune about the importance of getting vaccinated. While many of 
these charlatans and blowhards were dreaming up bizarre theories about 
the vaccines, the virus was not idle. In fact, months of confusion and 
quackery have given the virus a chance to mutate and, sadly, to again 
regain the upper hand.
  This mutation, known as the Delta variant, is now in every State in 
the Union. COVID infections, hospitalizations, and deaths are on the 
rise again. Almost all--almost all--of those who are hospitalized and 
facing serious illness and even death are unvaccinated. We know that.
  But this is a virus the world has never seen before, and the science 
is still evolving. What scientists don't know yet is whether people who 
are vaccinated against COVID can spread the Delta variant even if they 
experience few symptoms.
  While unvaccinated people should wear a mask whenever out in public, 
the CDC is recommending that vaccinated people who live in high-
transmission areas also wear masks in indoor public spaces for now. 
Further, vaccinated people who have vulnerable individuals in their 
households--young children or those who are immunocompromised--should 
wear masks in public places. And finally, the CDC is recommending 
universal masking for all teachers, staff members, and students in 
school, regardless of vaccination status.
  No one--no one--wants to wear a face mask. We all hoped that those 
days were all behind us. But I am bringing this mask with me in my 
pocket to be ready to use it when needed; others should do the same.
  If you want to protect yourself, your family, and your community, get 
the jab. It is free and safe. Until then, wear the mask when you must.