Endemic Not The End

We know that the novel coronavirus will be with us forever. Without undermining the threat it poses, we must learn how to live with it by adapting strategies developed in previous pandemics

- Vibha Varshney

After living in constant fear, uncertainty and economic loss for two long years, the world has finally decided to move on. Countries have started easing restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) and have declared their intention to start treating COVID-19 like other seasonal infections such as the flu. In late January, the UK became the first country to lift restrictions even while acknowledging that the pandemic is not over and the virus will continue to mutate and give rise to new variants.

The EU followed suit in the next few weeks, led by Denmark and then Norway, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, among other countries. These nations have lifted rules such as mandatory masking protocols and curbs on movement. Elsewhere, South Africa, the US, and Canada too have eased testing and quarantine protocols. “The world's done with it, so let's just move forward,” said Doug Ford, Premier of Canada's Ontario province in mid-February as he announced his government's plans to lift some COVID-19 restrictions from March 1.

The announcements from Canada came at a time when the country was seeing large-scale protests along its border with the US. Initially started by truck drivers from both countries against vaccination and quarantine mandates, the protests had found support from many people across Canada frustrated with continuous travel restrictions and compulsory wearing of face masks since SARS-COV-2 turned the world upside down. The movement in Canada resonated, with protests, strikes, and demonstrations being planned in New Zealand, France, Germany, Australia, and Austria against government measures to contain the spread of the virus.