5 years since COVID declared public health emergency in US, still killing thousands
5 years since COVID declared public health emergency in US, still killing thousands
On the fifth anniversary of the U.S. declaring a public health emergency over COVID-19, people continue to lose their lives.
Summary
5 years after the U.S. declared COVID-19 a public health emergency, the virus remains a persistent threat, continuing to claim thousands of lives.
COVID-19 is now integrated into daily life, with predictable seasonal peaks and ongoing high rates of illness and hospitalization.
Low vaccination rates, particularly for updated vaccines, contribute to severe outcomes, including the development of long COVID, which affects a portion of survivors.
Ongoing virus mutations necessitate annual vaccine updates and public health measures, as experts warn COVID-19 may become more severe in future outbreaks.