Is a 'predictable' and 'manageable' phase of COVID finally upon us?

While the COVID-19 pandemic (unfortunately) has yet to come to an end, America may be entering a new phase of the crisis, Axios argues, "one in which the country's overall experience with this virus will be less like having a heart attack, and more like managing a lifelong chronic condition."
In some ways, the transition to "endemic" COVID – meaning the virus will become a "predictable, manageable" part of our lives — is already here, Axios says, positing that though the disease is here to stay, the "worst of the pandemic is likely behind us."
The U.S. is, at the moment, averaging about 74,000 new infections daily, a "4 percent increase of the past two weeks," per Axios. And when analyzing individual states, only 4 would qualify as having a low rate of transmission according to CDC guidelines.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Despite that, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said recently that "we're close to the end of the pandemic phase of the virus," though former White House COVID adviser Andy Slavitt disagreed and called for an end to the speculation.
But here's the rub — the end of COVID's "pandemic phase" won't mean the end of COVID infections. There will still be breakthrough cases (though less severe) and winter outbreaks (though hopefully not as big or as deadly as before).
And the framework for this state of play, Axios argues, has already arrived. So, as long as "no new variant emerges," (which is of course possible, but not yet an immediate threat), "we have a pretty good idea of where we're headed, and that overall landscape isn't likely to change too dramatically." Read more at Axios.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
June 28 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Saturday's political cartoons include stupid wars, a critical media, and mask standards
-
Thai fish pie with crispy turmeric potatoes recipe
The Week Recommends Tasty twist on the Lancashire hot pot is given a golden glow
-
Palestine Action: protesters or terrorists?
Talking Point Damaging RAF equipment at Brize Norton blurs line between activism and sabotage, but proscription is a drastic step
-
Kennedy's vaccine panel signals skepticism, change
Speed Read RFK Jr.'s new vaccine advisory board intends to make changes to the decades-old US immunization system
-
Kennedy ousts entire CDC vaccine advisory panel
speed read Health Secretary RFK Jr. is a longtime anti-vaccine activist who has criticized the panel of experts
-
RFK Jr. scraps Covid shots for pregnant women, kids
Speed Read The Health Secretary announced a policy change without informing CDC officials
-
New FDA chiefs limit Covid-19 shots to elderly, sick
speed read The FDA set stricter approval standards for booster shots
-
US overdose deaths plunged 27% last year
speed read Drug overdose still 'remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44,' said the CDC
-
Trump seeks to cut drug prices via executive order
speed read The president's order tells pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices, but it will likely be thrown out by the courts
-
RFK Jr.: A new plan for sabotaging vaccines
Feature The Health Secretary announced changes to vaccine testing and asks Americans to 'do your own research'
-
RFK Jr. visits Texas as 2nd child dies from measles
Speed Read An outbreak of the vaccine-preventable disease continues to grow following a decade of no recorded US measles deaths