The World Health Organization said COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, which marks a historic end to the pandemic. But LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist, Dr. Fred Lopez said this doesn’t mean the virus has been extinguished.
“It’s still going to be an ongoing public health issue, it’s just not an unexpected issue as it was when emergency plans were put in place all across the world several years ago,” said Lopez.
According to the WHO, the pandemic claimed seven million lives across the globe. And in the US alone there are an average of 200 deaths daily from COVID-19. Lopez said individuals need to stay up to date on vaccinations and diagnostic testing should continue.
“We need to be prepared for the possibility that it could get worse again, or that another respiratory pathogen might present itself,” said Lopez.
Lopez said those who are 65 and older or immunocompromised should be diligent about their COVID vaccines.
“Because we know immunity wanes after you receive these vaccines, and those two groups are particularly vulnerable to serious complications,” said Lopez.
Last month President Biden signed legislation to officially end the national coronavirus emergency on May 11th. You can expect to see changes in COVID surveillance and among federal insurance programs.
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