The United States was deemed “out of the pandemic phase” by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious-disease expert in the country. Fauci clarified his comments in a television interview broadcast in April, stressing that the world is still very much experiencing a COVID-19 pandemic. However, he said the levels of hospitalizations and deaths are declining to a manageable point in the United States.
Earlier in the year, the United States saw around 900,000 COVID-19 infections, tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths every day. Now, the number of daily U.S. COVID-19 deaths is less than 300, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. Additionally, almost three-quarters of eligible people (age 5 and older) have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine—and nearly half are fully vaccinated and have received a booster dose.
The reality is that COVID-19 is still present and concerning in many ways, particularly for vulnerable populations and the unvaccinated. Nevertheless, as case numbers fall, the country appears to be nearing a point of controlling the disease through targeted treatments and vaccinations.
Much of the country has rescinded mask-wearing re-mask mandates. Regardless, it appears the United States is ready to move on from the pandemic, dealing with the potential consequences as they come.
Despite a general sense of fewer restrictions, the CDC still recommends the following measures to protect yourself and others:
- Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
- Wear a mask indoors in public areas where the COVID-19 Community Level is high, regardless of vaccination status.
- Stay 6 feet away from others.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
- Test yourself to prevent spreading the COVID-19 virus to others.
- Wash your hands often, especially after coughing and monitor your health daily and watch for COVID-19 symptoms.
- Follow quarantine and isolation guidelines.
- Take precautions when you travel domestically and internationally.
As you navigate today’s new normal, remember to stay home if you are sick and contact your doctor if you have any health concerns. For more resources on COVID-19, visit our TIG Advisors blog.
