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As of early May, COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency by the World Health Organization. This might make it seem like COVID-19 is no longer a real problem or like it’s soon going to disappear for good, but neither of those things are true. Even though the situation is a lot less severe than it has been in the past few years, COVID-19 is still deadly, and it is likely here to stay. We don’t have all the facts yet, but here is what we do know, based on information from the CDC.
Free COVID-19 vaccines are still available. Treatments are also free while supplies last, but after that, they will have a set price.
Insurance providers aren’t required to provide free COVID-19 tests anymore, but there are still places that are giving them out. Find a location near you by using the CDC No-Cost Testing Locator.
Masks are no longer obligatory in most places (healthcare centers could be an exception to this, although this varies from place to place).
Will COVID-19 Become Seasonal?
Many experts are saying COVID-19 will probably become seasonal in the future, similar to the flu. The reason the flu is seasonal is because of its predictable infection pattern. COVID-19 is not at this stage yet, since it’s evolving rapidly and can’t be easily predicted. There’s still the risk of new variants spreading. However, once its evolution slows down, it will likely be similar to the flu.
This means that COVID-19 will still be a part of people’s lives, but it won’t be a huge disruption like it was when it originally appeared around the world.
Want to learn more about COVID-19? Check out this list of resources we compiled to help keep you and your family safe and healthy. Access it at iraiseinc.org/covid19. You can also attend our Health and Wellness Fair on July 22, 2023 in the Bronx.