I think we need to walk back a little and manage the expectations as to what "the pandemic is over" means and always meant. It doesn't mean "Covid will go away". It won't. It will never go away. The pandemic is over because it entered into the endemic stage. All the things we did during the pandemic phase of Covid was to save as many people as possible until

A) a vaccine was found (check) and
B) an endemic variant emerged. (Check) an endemic variant is a mutation that's harmless enough so people don't become too sick and spread the bastard around. That's what Omicron is.

Yes, people die of Covid. People die of many pathogens, bow we have one more. But we cannot make it go away. We could mask up, keep distance forever, but that would cost us dearly, if not economically, at least mentally. There will always be Covid deaths from now on and nothing can change that as far as we know. Yet, that was clear from almost day 1 of the pandemic.

Besides: look at who dies of Covid. It's those with weakened immune systems mostly. I want everyone to live as long and as happily as possible, but we need to acknowledge that some are sicker than others and all of us will die. Those who die of Covid are compromised on a way that would have them die from the flu or any number of other pathogens around (for the most part).

Like it or not, that's what the world is like and always has been like. Until we find a way to eradicate viruses, people will die from Covid. End of story.

The WHO never announced that the pandemic is over. People just got bored of it so they decided it was.

It’s never going to be over. It’s endemic now. Instead of Flu Season we will always have COVID and Flu Season.

There are so many people I come across now think of this as a cold, perhaps a bad one in the worse case. They have had it at least once to 3 times so there's nothing more that can be done in their minds.

My gf has had it 2 years in a row and I've dodged it there too.

I'm being told I'm a unicorn now as I'm the only one in my circles that hasn't had it yet.

Then I see the numbers above like this and recall almost 3000 died in 9/11 and how many were so moved by those senseless deaths which lead to a million more senseless civilian deaths while domestically these Rona numbers happening weekly, and there's nothing that can be done in a way worse than the lack of action for gun violence against children.

At least there are thoughts and prayers to be applied for gun violence. We won't even think of this minimum for those that have died from Rona..

"The highest since January 2023"

January 2023:

Sauce

I am in no way denying this claim, I just dont find stating that this time of year is the highest since this time of year last year *to be a compelling claim. While perfectly true, it doesnt convey anything mwaningful to me, as it seems that common diseases such as cold and flu are always on seasonal variations, so you would expect the peak seasons to be regular each year. I think communication on an issue like this needs to be both speciic and careful to consider that cultural expectations of diseases could lessen the impact if what is being said here.

edit:spelling and grammar

Yeah but people are over it. No more shutdowns. Covid isn't going away ever.

Unfortunately there are way too many people who not only refuse to accept that but who will also actively resist any attempts to control this or any future pandemic

I wonder, how many of these people were homeless and could easily been prevented just with some human decency, housing them and given them basic medical care.

Get vaccinated, test, mask and social distance.

I am saddened for those that die despite doing everything that they can to prevent it. The vaccine doesn't always work. Some people can't get it for legitimate health reasons (as opposed to the illegitimate excuses some people use). Etc.

Call me cold hearted, but with the exception of the minority of people meeting the above criteria, I can't help but imagine that most of the people dying of COVID at this point are willfully ignorant Trumpets taking one for their team. Good riddance to them. That's one less ballot we need to worry about in November.

for the US*

I am regularly boosted and test when I am sick as does my family. It ain’t over but I’m living my life. We have the means for most people to walk around without any concern, but some people refuse to take 30 minutes out of their day to get a (generally free) sho every 12mo or so because it’s inconvenient or their politics.

The pandemic is over for me and my family. All the “vaccine skeptics“ out there can get on board or deal with it at this point. It’s been almost 4 years folks, get with the program. Any of you reading this who are able but have not gotten boosted or (god forbid) aren’t vaccinated yet, get off your ass and do it. It’s not that difficult.

Cold/Flu season is in full effect so I’m betting getting Covid with the Flu is rough.

Now check to see if the folks in the Hospital and dying were vaccinated.