Can we breathe a sigh of relief and forget about the COVID-19 pandemic that has been with us since 2020? What does the World Health Organization experts’ decision actually mean, and is a complete return to the reality we knew before the pandemic realistic?
At the end of 2019, the first disturbing reports from China emerged. They concerned a new virus that was spreading among the country’s residents.In February 2020, the media reported further outbreaks of the new virus, which appeared in Italy, South Korea or Iran.
Many countries closed their borders. Both small and major cultural, religious and sports events around the world were canceled. Students, as well as employees of many companies, had to learn to study and work remotely.
The world has been waiting for these words for three years
According to information as of May 3, 2023, provided by the World Health Organization, there have been 765,222,932 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 6,921,614 deaths worldwide since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, according to the WHO director, the actual number of deaths could be as much as three times higher, at around 20 million.
After more than three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we finally breathed a sigh of relief. On May 5 of this year to be exact, the Director General of the World Health Organization – Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced: ” (…) The Emergency Committee met for the 15th time and recommended that I declare an end to the public health emergency of international scope. I have accepted this advice. Therefore, it is with great hope that I announce the end of Covid-19 as a global health emergency.”
What does this mean?
Throughout the course of the pandemic in our country, there have been tightening or loosening of restrictions. These decisions depended primarily on the number of infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the number of patients requiring hospitalization, and the number of vaccinations performed.
Since April 30, we also do not have to cover our mouth and nose when visiting a pharmacy. However, the use of a protective mask while in a clinic or hospital is still in effect until June 30 of this year.
However, there are appeals from health care professionals on this issue. In fact, medics are asking the Health Ministry that the obligation to cover the mouth and nose on the premises of medical facilities should not be abolished, regardless of the withdrawal of the epidemic emergency. According to specialists, this is expected to greatly ensure the safety of medical personnel, as well as reduce the spread of other droplet-transmitted diseases. At this point, the MZ has not responded to appeals from medics on the issue.
We are returning to pre-pandemic reality, but we must not forget the threat
It’s also worth noting that global health experts point out that even though the pandemic has been officially called off, COVID-19 still poses a major health care challenge. Particularly during the winter, when SARS-CoV-2 virus infections are predicted to increase.
There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic was helped by vaccines. Since they were introduced, it became possible to loosen the restrictions that had been put in place previously. Vaccinated people also did not have to undergo testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus when crossing borders or traveling by air, among other things. Let’s remember that vaccinations (not only those building protection against coronavirus, but also, for example, against Lyme disease) are very important, and should especially benefit the elderly, people struggling with chronic diseases or lowered immunity.
As of a few weeks ago, April 15, 2023 to be exact, referrals are being made for the next (fifth dose) of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The next booster dose is for people who have been vaccinated with the monovalent vaccine and received the second booster dose between April and September 2022, and:
- are at least sixty years of age;
- are immunocompromised;
- work in health care facilities.
And don’t forget to observe personal hygiene – covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, washing your hands frequently, and staying home if you feel sick. In a situation where we have to leave the house despite being sick, let’s remember to use protective masks every time. Their use, in the case of sick people, is necessary not only while in health care facilities, but in all public places. After all, through responsible behavior we are able to significantly reduce the spread of viral diseases.
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