After two plus years of society dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that the corona virus is here to stay. Society has adopted certain public health measures that are certain to always be a part of society. Public health measures that are here to stay include testing, masks in public, and social distancing.
Testing
The COVID virus has proven that it is very successful at finding new people to infect. Even after an individual has been vaccinated, they can still contract the virus. Because of this, the virus will continue to develop variants, getting people sick. With such a high transmission rate, it is expected that COVID testing is here to stay. Testing is not only important for individuals who show symptoms, but for the asymptomatic group who unknowingly continue to spread the virus. Providing proof of a negative test will enable large gatherings and gatherings with at risk individuals to resume. Proof of a negative test will reduce overall infection rates.
Masks in Public
The CDC has recommended that everyone, including those that are vaccinated, continue wearing masks while indoors. Wearing a face mask helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. Mask-wearing carries significant public health benefits including reducing the flow of airborne particles that are produced when breathing, talking, coughing, or sneezing. A reduction of particles consequently reduces the infection rate of viruses like COVID-19. Even after this pandemic has run its course, individuals are likely to continue wearing masks to prevent spreading or contracting future diseases.
Social Distancing
The risk of contracting COVID-19 or any other virus is higher in a crowded and inadequately ventilated space. Outbreaks are most common at restaurants, concerts, sporting events, and any other place where individuals may be in tight quarters interacting with each other. Grocery stores and crowded urban areas have always been hard environments for those with high personal space needs. Through the pandemic, people’s behavior has adapted to social distancing and expect to be given more space than what used to be socially acceptable. Apart from establishing a habit, social distancing could be required intermittently for years to suppress COVID-19 peaks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed our world. Society has adapted to new work conditions, smaller gatherings, and so much more. With an increased interest in protecting public health, testing, masks in public, and social distancing are health measures that are here to stay.
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