Thread by @RickABright

When Will the Pandemic End? Great question.

An excellent discussion in @nytimes @nytopinion w/ @JenniferNuzzo @VirusesImmunity @PepperMarion

A few excerpts, mashups & extrapolations below. /1

nytimes.com/2022/08/12/opi…

There's no defined “end” of a pandemic. How it will play out in the coming months and years is uncertain, particularly as the virus continues to evolve.

Continued surveillance, public health vigilance, and access to/use of masks, tests, treatments & vaccines will be critical. /2

Although it may feel like Covid is now like annual flu, data show it is still causing (MANY) more hospitalizations & deaths than the flu does; keeping up with vaccines & boosters is so important. /3

To reduce risk of infection, mask when you are going to crowded indoor spaces, particularly when case counts are high. Don’t forgo important life events or seeing friends & family, ...but do so carefully.

We know how to reduce risk with vaccines, masks & tests. #WeCanDoThis /4

Getting tested still plays a critical role in reducing virus spread & getting earlier treatment. Home tests continue to be reliable for detecting when you have a contagious infection.

@US_FDA has emphasized the importance of repeated testing for an even better snapshot. /5

Vaccines are very likely to reduce the risk of developing long Covid, & boosters help this even more. It's very important to be fully up to date w/ your vaccine & boosters.

Omicron boosters might add even more help to reduce infection & risk of long Covid. I'm eager to see. /6

Progress has been made, showing what is possible w/ funding, political will & science.

Much more work is needed to support our public health system; bring it up to date & fully capable of withstanding future health emergencies.

Another crisis will come, let's be ready. /End