The COVID-19 national health emergency officially ended May 11, 2023. While infections and hospitalizations remain low, and many restrictions have been lifted, experts agree the disease will likely be with us for years. Karen Brown, MD, medical director, Primary Care, Northeast Medical Group, advises people to enter this new phase of the pandemic with cautious optimism.
“The good news is that the rate of COVID-19 in the community is the lowest it has been in three years,” she said. “While there has been a small increase in cases related to summer travel and reduced masking, the cases are generally milder and there’s less of it. These are all things to celebrate, but it’s also important to remember everything we’ve learned over the last three years. Monitor your symptoms, stay home if you don’t feel well and get vaccinated when advised by your doctor.”
Vaccines, treatment and testing will continue. A new COVID-19 vaccine that will cover newer variants is expected this fall and will be recommended for most people. Dr. Brown said the best resource for information about your health is your primary care provider, who can give you the best advice for things like getting a vaccine or booster. She also said websites like those from Yale New Haven Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are great for general COVID-19 information.
