Thread by @SGriffin_Lab

So, lots about @WHO calling an end to the #PHEIC
First, this is a response, and it has a defined set of criteria. Whether or not these are met doesn't actually mean that #COVID isn't a pandemic, it's an interpretation of guidance and is pretty arbitrary, really.
Second, and this

really IS important...whether or not the WHO, mainstream/social media, or any other form of messaging put this across properly, national governments will have been briefed IN FULL, AHEAD of time, with the five pillars of the ongoing response in black and white, LARGE FONT etc...

Third, that certain Governments refuse to heed these recommendations, or even bother to review their own policies on how they're handling things is down to them, NOBODY else.
My opinion, fwiw, is that this is an abdication of public health responsibility that, as usual, affects

those least able to cope most...
Fourth, and it's upsetting to have to say this, to play on the stepping down on the PHEIC as a means of saying it's all over, but then NOT accept these recommendations, is just abject hypocrisy. You can't, and should not, have it both ways folks.

Finally, and this probably includes me and many of us, but the lack of massive spikes of infection, or settling into "normal/predictable" patterns that we're more used to...not that it's happening yet for SARS2, should NOT mean that we just switch off and accept things. The whole

"just the flu" 🦬💩 speaks volumes, seeing as even seasonal influenza is a killer for some, and H5N1 is knocking on the door...we should be striving to bring down excess deaths, not lying back pleased as punch because they are the same as a few years ago. We do this for non-

communicable diseases, why less so for infections?
The ridiculous tropes around endemicity began in 2021, possibly earlier in certain preprints 🤪, which was not only incorrect, but deliberately equated to benign...
The pandemic is certainly in a new phase for many, but not for

all, which is something the government is supposed to take the initiative on, on our behalf. Yes, the usual comparison to roads and smoking etc., but just think what could be achieved if we were more proactive? Respiratory virus disease is something that CAN be mitigated against

without impinging on some people's perception of "freedom" or meaning harsh restrictions. The benefits beyond COVID could be huge, for other diseases (esp with advances in vaccines), pollution, productivity, etc. Yes, investment is needed, but the pay off would be incredible...

Moreover, the tragedy of #LongCovidKids and #LongCovid remains, more research is needed, but prevention is ALWAYS better than cure...something that perhaps our vaccine strategy ought to reflect? 🤦‍♂️
We also need investment in Therapeutics as well as vaccines, and we should be

planning for the NEXT pandemic, not falsely patting politicians on the shoulder for a job/party/VIP contract/Testandtrace well done...

I AM going to end with a cliche, but I don't care cos I don't think anyone has ever put it better...(the original, that is, note the source 🤪)