We May Be In A Pandemic-to-Endemic Transition For COVID-19

Here's what you need to know about the difference between pandemic and endemic disease, and what they both mean for COVID-19.

By Sam Walters
Sep 26, 2022 2:30 PMSep 26, 2022 2:28 PM
COVID-19 Vaccine
(Credit: PIC SNIPE/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

In an interview airing on 60 Minutes, President Joe Biden announced that the pandemic is ending in the U.S. "We still have a problem with COVID," Biden said, "but the pandemic is over."

Though the comment seems somewhat contradictory, it captures the continuing struggle among specialists to determine where we stand with the current COVID-19 pandemic. In other words, scientists simply cannot agree whether the pandemic was a problem of the past or whether continuing cases indicate that the pandemic is far from over.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.