Five Years Since COVID Was Declared a Pandemic: Choosing Safety for Ourselves and Our Communities
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Five years later, the virus continues to impact millions worldwide, yet much of the infrastructure designed to protect public health has been dismantled. This anniversary is not just a moment of reflection—it’s a call to action. As individuals, we have the power to make choices that will keep ourselves and our communities safe.
The Ongoing Impact of COVID-19
Despite widespread narratives and official top-down declarations suggesting that the pandemic is “over,” COVID-19 continues to cause significant harm. People are still getting infected, experiencing long-term complications, and dying from the virus at rates that exceed many other infectious diseases. Long COVID remains a debilitating condition for millions, disrupting lives and livelihoods. Hospitals still see surges in patients, and new variants continue to emerge, challenging our immunity and treatments.
Protecting Ourselves and Our Communities
While governments and institutions have rolled back protections, individuals can still take steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health:
- Masking with N95 Respirators: High-quality masks offer significant protection against airborne transmission, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
- Testing Regularly: Knowing your COVID status allows you to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others. PCR tests are most accurate and reliable.
- Avoiding Crowded Spaces: Limiting exposure in high-risk environments helps reduce transmission.
- Cleaning the Air: Improving indoor air quality with ventilation and HEPA purifiers reduces the concentration of airborne virus particles.
- Getting Vaccinated Regularly: Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations reduces severe illness and transmission.
Avoiding Infection Lessens the Long COVID Crisis
March is Long COVID Awareness Month, a crucial time to recognize that preventing infection is not just about avoiding an acute illness—it also reduces the risk of long-term complications. Long COVID can cause debilitating symptoms that persist for months or years, impacting the brain, heart, lungs, and immune system. Every new infection and reinfection increases the risk of developing Long COVID and major organ damage, making prevention essential for long-term health. By taking proactive measures to reduce infection, individuals help reduce the growing burden of chronic illness and disability worldwide.
Where Do We Go From Here?
As we mark this anniversary, we must reject the false notion that COVID-19 is behind us. Instead, we need to commit to personal and collective action to keep our communities safe. This means:
- Normalizing and Empowering Following Protective Measures: Wearing high-quality masks, testing, distancing, and cleaning the air should be seen as essential, everyday health practices.
- Advocating for Safer Spaces: Pressuring institutions to prioritize ventilation and reinstate necessary public health protections.
- Recognizing Long COVID as a Crisis: Supporting those affected and demanding better research, medical care, and workplace protections.
- Promoting Vaccine Uptake and Equity: Ensuring that vaccines remain accessible to all and combating misinformation about their benefits.
COVID-19 is still here, and our choices matter. By continuing to take preventive measures, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. The past five years have shown us what happens when protections are abandoned. It’s time to prioritize health and safety for all.If you want to help build a safer future, consider joining the World Health Network. Get involved in our virtual meetings, where teams and projects are actively welcoming new members who want to make a difference.
