Americans are confused and frustrated by the Biden administration's handling Delta surge, which has fueled media overreactions and political manipulation.Why it matters: Americans have been cynical over the government's COVID response for the past year and half, often misinformed and uninformed. When steady, clear-eyed and factual information is required, we are seeing fog and reversals.Axios Markets delivers market news that is worth your time. Register now for a free subscriptionThese five days have been a disaster. The CDC updated its guidance on Tuesday to state that people who have been vaccinated in hot spots should wear masks indoors and in public places without a way to determine if they are in a hot spot.This was a reversal of the CDC's May 13 announcement 75 days prior that fully vaccinated individuals could remove masks from most indoor settings. President Biden called it "a great day in America's long fight against the coronavirus."The Washington Post received a CDC deck on Thursday that contained the eye-opening statement: "Delta variation is as transmissible than: - Chicken Pox."Yesterday's CDC report revealed that the reversal was partly due to a cluster COVID cases in Provincetown (Mass. ), on Cape Cod. Three-quarters of infected were fully vaccinated. Only a few cases were reported to the hospital, but no deaths were recorded.Today's print New York Times headline: "IMMUNIZED PERSONS CAN SPREAD VIRUS, THE C.D.C. REPORT Online version includes the crucial qualifier "Though Rarely."White House was annoyed by the alarmist coverage. According to a senior Biden administration official, the media coverage of the moment was not consistent with reality. It was reckless and hyperbolic in a way that increases vaccine hesitancy.Ben Wakana, White House COVID Response Team, tweeted: "VACCINATED PEOPLE DON'T TRANSMIT THE VIRUS AT THE SAME TIME AS UNVACCINATED PEOPLE. AND IF THAT CONTEXT IS NOT INCLUDED YOU'RE DOING IT Wrong."The lines are blurred: Administration officials seem to be awkwardly trying to hide the fact they have no politically appealing ways to persuade people to take their shot.Continue the storyDelta is becoming out of control and could become angry with unvaccinated people.Bottom line: Be more cautious if you have been vaccinated. But don't worry. If you aren't vaccinated, you should get one.Axios Markets has more: Subscribe to receive the most recent market trends from Axios Markets. Register now for a free subscription
