BOCA RATON, Fla. — Ongoing COVID-19 vaccinations may be creating a false sense of security, with medical experts saying we are a long way from reaching herd immunity.
Some restaurant owners are reporting an increase in business since the start of the year, and many attribute that to an excitement over vaccinations.
After opening last summer in the middle of a pandem, fresh and healthy fast food restaurant CoreLife Eatery in Boca Raton is seeing a fresh start and new faces.
"Since the beginning of the year, it's actually been a totally different climate," said Andrew DeGrazia, the owner CoreLife Eatery. "I'm seeing people coming in that are moving here, new clients, and I'm also seeing people that are venturing out of the house a little bit."
DeGrazia believes with the ongoing COVID-19 vaccinations, people are feeling more confident to step out, providing a boost in business.
Multi-South Florida restaurant owner Angelo Elia agrees.
"We’re doing phenomenal," said Elia, the owner of Casa D'Angelo restaurant.
Infectious disease Dr. Leslie Diaz said the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine does provide some immunity, but don’t let it provide a false sense of security.
"I've seen it already," Dr. Diaz said. ")atients that have gotten the vaccine and a week later they started getting sick and it's because they had an exposure."
Dr. Diaz said the goal is to reach herd immunity, but the rate of vaccinations will have to increase to get there.
"That is the goal of achievement, to try to contain the numbers," Dr. Diaz said. "The goal is to vaccinate at least 70% to 80% percent of the population here."
