Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-10-2022

DOI

10.1001/jamahealthforum.2022.0323

Abstract

After 2 years of a seemingly relentless pandemic that has upended work, education, and social interactions, the questions many are asking are when will we get back to normal and what will life be like after the COVID-19 pandemic? In truth, science cannot fully predict what SARS-CoV-2 variants will arise and the trajectory of the pandemic. Yet, history and informed scientific observations provide a guide to how—and when—society will return to pre-pandemic patterns of behavior. There will not be a single moment when social life suddenly goes back to normal. Instead, gradually, over time, most people will view COVID-19 as a background risk and abandon the trappings of pandemic caution.

Publication Citation

JAMA Health Forum, 2022;3(2):e220323.

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