Large gatherings at movie theaters for the release of Barbie and Oppenheimer movies could potentially trigger another surge in COVID cases, warns Dr. Peter Hotez, a respected virology professor. Despite knowing that his warning may not be well received, Dr. Hotez took to Twitter to express his concerns to his 465,000 followers. He emphasized the lack of tracking and monitoring of such events and advised people to continue getting vaccinated and to wear appropriate masks.
Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has achieved the biggest film opening of the year, earning $162 million at the box office. Similarly, Oppenheimer, featuring Cillian Murphy, has also drawn large crowds and positive reviews. Although both movies have been highly anticipated and well-received, it is essential to remain cautious in light of the current pandemic situation.
It is worth noting that while COVID hospitalization rates have shown a slight increase compared to the previous week, they remain significantly lower than a year ago. In the week of July 15, a total of 7,109 people were admitted to hospitals with COVID, whereas the same week last year saw 45,000 admissions.
Dr. Hotez gained attention in June when Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known anti-vaxxer, challenged him to a debate on Joe Rogan’s podcast. This led to further challenges, including one from Rogan himself. While Dr. Hotez expressed his willingness to appear on Rogan’s show, he made it clear that he would not engage in a circus-like debate with Kennedy.
Following the suggestion of a debate between Hotez and Kennedy, social media exploded with discussions and even an incident where Hotez was confronted at his own home by Alex Rosen, who claimed to be an independent journalist. Despite the unexpected encounter, Hotez maintained his composure and emphasized the need for respectful conversation.
Kennedy’s appearance on Rogan’s podcast reignited the controversy surrounding his debunked claims linking vaccines to autism, which Hotez strongly condemns. Rogan responded by challenging Hotez to a debate on his show and offered a $100,000 donation to the charity of Hotez’s choice. Hotez expressed his willingness to have a meaningful discussion and find common ground but stressed the importance of not succumbing to pressure on social media.
Both Hotez and Kennedy have indicated their willingness to engage in a respectful and informative debate that would benefit the American people. Hotez has acknowledged the opportunity to appear on Rogan’s widely popular podcast, which would allow for a broader reach and the potential for progress in the ongoing vaccine discussions.
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