Thread by @latimes

As coronavirus transmission rates drop across California, indicating that the surge spawned by Omicron is flattening, many are wondering whether the latest variant will be the last surge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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There remains considerable debate around that question. Some experts are loath to make forecasts, given that prior predictions of the pandemic’s conclusion haven’t proved true.

Scientists generally say it’s too early to declare an “endgame” for COVID-19.

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Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, says we need to be prepared for more surprises after Omicron’s surge fades. He cautioned against thinking that the drop in cases means the 2-year-old pandemic will be over soon.

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It’s possible that high infection rates could bring about a new variant that could be more resistant to existing immunity and vaccines. And that’s why it’s so important to make progress on a vaccine that can work on all coronaviruses.

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Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University’s School of Public Health, said the U.S. should be prepared for another summer surge in the South as the weather warms and people head indoors, and a surge again next winter in the North, as temperatures drop.

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“If there’s one thing we learned about predicting the path of SARS-CoV-2, it’s that it’s unpredictable. So we shouldn’t plan on a rosy picture,” said Dr. Eric Topol.

Read more from @ronlin and @LukeMMoney
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