The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Covid is here to stay. How will we know when it stops being special?

By Carolyn Y. Johnson

13 Sep 2023 · 6 min read

informed Summary

  1. The recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations is the new normal in a world where the virus is endemic. The response to the virus will depend on individual risk tolerance and the evolving landscape of variants and boosters.

New coronavirus variants are making headlines. Photos of positive test results are popping up on social media feeds. Hospitalizations are increasing.

Far from the start of a sensational new chapter in the pandemic, experts say this uptick is the new normal in a world with covid as an endemic disease. Now, with some level of immunity nearly ubiquitous across the country, many people are wondering when - or if - we can stop treating the coronavirus differently from other common respiratory ailments.

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