2020 has been marked by a global health crisis because of the coronavirus epidemic. In addition to the heavy human toll, this pandemic also leads to economic consequences because of lockdown and the closure of borders. Facemasks, barrier gestures, hand sanitizer, the world has learnt to live with the epidemic, and more or less strict measures depending on countries. Despite hope delivered by vaccination, 2021 happened with the coronavirus epidemic in the background. One question remains: when will the pandemic end?
Covid: Will the epidemic ever end? Three likely scenarios
As 40 million French are fully vaccinated, many people hope to move on from the Covid-19 epidemic very soon. But is the end of the pandemic possible? Will we have to learn how to live with the virus for years? Several epidemiologists and specialists have answered these questions asked by Ouest-France. And it seems three scenarios are likely. [Read more]
As the French government hoped to be able to exit the crisis in 2021, it is clear these previsions cannot come true. This past May, French Health Minister Olivier Véran told LCI he hoped he can move on by November-December 2021.
But the coronavirus epidemic has not said its last word. A new mutant eventually broke out: the Omicron variant. This one is characteried by contagiousness higher than the Delta variant. And yet, shall we wave goodbye to the possibility of a clear ending of the epidemic? Perhaps not.
Accoridng to some scientists, the breakout of a more contagious mutant - but less virulent - is more of a good thing. Some studies show the Omicron variant can actually mark the beginning of the end of the pandemic.
And what if Omicron was able to end the pandemic? This is what suggests virologist Yves Van Laethem, stating its high contagiousness and its weakened virulence might enable not-vaccinated people to be “immunized in a benign fashion”. [Read more]
As for the World Health Organization, they are aiming at mid-2022 to put an end to the epidemic. The main issue for this scenario to come true? The end of vaccinal iniquity. According to director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, it is necessary that 70% of the population in each country be vaccinated to hope and see the health crisis to be over.
Covid: Will the epidemic ever end? Three likely scenarios
Covid: and what if the Omicron variant was to end the epidemic?
