Yep, Covid-19 should be partisan: Everybody versus the virus.

These two maps represent the devastating resurgence of Covid-19 across counties between July 11, 2021 and August 9, 2021, according to recent data out of the Centers for Disease Control.

That's a lot of new red ink in less than one month.

My friends, we are losing ground every single day in the fight against this virus and the surging, dangerous Delta variant.

The most recent numbers aren't good. In the seven days before August 9, 2021, we know there have been:

• 770,573 new Covid-19 cases (+25.5% in last seven days)
• 3,039 new Covid-19 deaths (+25.9% in last seven days)
• 65,126 confirmed Covid-19 hospital admissions (+31.1% in last seven days)
• 57,657 average daily Covid-19 hospital inpatients (+39.4% in last seven days)
• 14,544 average daily ICU Covid-19 patients (+34.3% in last seven days)

Among children, data from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows there were 93,824 new Covid-19 cases reported between July 29, 2021 and August 5, 2021, with children representing 15.0% of the weekly reported cases. This is a 4% increase in the cumulated number of child Covid-19 cases. I say again, children.

Here's the thing, it doesn't have to be this way.

We have the ticket out of this mess. An analysis of data from 40 states and Washington, D.C. shows that the vaccine offers undeniably effective protection against the virus and the surging variants: fully vaccinated people have made up as few as 0.1 percent of and as many as 5 percent of those hospitalized with the virus in those states, and as few as 0.2 percent and as many as 6 percent of those who have died.

Simply put, the odds are entirely against the unvaccinated.

The groundbreaking vaccines that are widely available are a true testament to the ability of our species to apply our God-given knowledge to meet the moment and beat the odds.

And not only are they safe and effective, but they are bipartisan. Yep - these vaccines were developed under a Republican administration and are being administered under a Democratic administration. Authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe for emergency use following a rigorous process, and knocking on the door of full FDA approval - they are the real deal and the ticket to ending this pandemic and saving lives.

And I’ll tell you something- this virus doesn’t care what political party you belong to. Just like it doesn't care if you are a beautiful child, an outstanding parent, a beloved teacher, or a dear grandparent.

This is one issue that has to be deeply and radically partisan: It has to be everybody versus the virus.

If you are vaccinated and are concerned about someone who isn't vaccinated - please talk to them and go gently. Nobody was ever convinced to do the right thing by being called selfish or stupid. If you are not vaccinated, please talk to a medical professional who is qualified to give you sound and non-political medical advice on this issue.

We can do this. Mask up. Wash your hands. And get that shot in your arm today. Please - the life you save could very likely be someone you love.

We have fought too hard, sacrificed too much, and lost too many people these past many months only to let all of our progress slip away now.

This battle is with the virus, not each other.

Justin Hanson is a husband, father, and attorney.