COVID-19 to Become Endemic, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Says

COVID-19 to Become Endemic, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Says
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Dr. Theresa Tam is seen via videoconference as Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos looks on during a news conference on the COVID-19 pandemic and the Omicron variant, in Ottawa on Jan. 7, 2022. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang
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The COVID-19 pandemic will likely become an endemic virus, Canada’s chief public health officer said at a parliamentary committee meeting on Tuesday, as MPs questioned the government’s response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

“I think many experts believe that so-called herd immunity may not be achievable with this virus because it undergoes constant evolution. So what you’re looking at is this endemic state where people will get reinfected over time as immunity wanes,” Dr. Theresa Tam said at the House of Commons’ health committee meeting.