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Is the Pandemic About to Be Over?

Wishful thinking — maybe...

Is there anyone who does not want the pandemic to be over? I can’t think of anyone. I’m betting that even the people who make protective masks would like the pandemic to end.

With omicron cases starting to fall quickly in many areas where there were precipitous surges only weeks ago, there are those who are declaring the pandemic at an end. I have not heard anyone use the term “herd immunity,” but there are many, many people who have been infected with the virus — some multiple times.

As I’ve shared before, it is too early to “spike the football” and declare victory. If we have learned anything from this virus, it’s that it is resilient and full of surprises. I say “shields up” and keep them up. Perhaps we’ll enjoy a period of lower infections, hospitalizations and deaths, however, the light at the end of the tunnel could be another variant with new and different characteristics that throws all of us for a loop.
Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.