So with the move to "endemic" phase and removing mask mandates

[intrepidity]

What's the likelihood that a new surge, perhaps another variant, ensues?

I'm very concerned about "long COVID" but it seems like it's going to be inevitable that everyone contract this virus--at least once if not more. Seems we have to just accept that. It doesn't feel right.

[Mad_Machine76]

1. Where's the evidence that it's moved to the endemic stage?

As long as it is clogging up hospitals and causing lots of excess death, I don't understand how we just go ahead completely relax any and all mitigation efforts. It seems likely, based on recent history, that there are more variants and surges to come but how many more variants and how serious are the questions few too many people seem to be asking.

[agingdem]

2. Spring Break next month college kids head to the beaches en masse

predicting a surge in late March/early April...pandemic/epidemic whatever my mask stays on...

[msdogi]

3. I am trusting the science

sure, they could be wrong and removing masks will lead to a surge of yet another variant. And we all can certainly continue any measures that make us more comfortable.
Full vaccination remain the best course, but the idiots persist in refusal

[intrepidity]

6. Well I hope the science can quickly figure out what to do about long covid

It can happen in breakthrough infections. That is my concern.

[Tomconroy]

4. Nothing will prevent people from putting on masks if there is

A surge in cases. That's what happened here in CT with Omicron. The statewide mask mandate was lifted last summer. People put them on in December.
To the vaccinated (which is now most people) Covid is nothing like the disease of March 2020. We don't need 2020 rules.

[intrepidity]

5. I intend to keep wearing a mask

Even so, I will be very uncomfortable going to the grocery store full of unmasked people!

[Tomconroy]

8. I realize a lot of people on DU feel that way.

[bigtree]

9. but masking is about others spittle, not so much about protection from that aerosol

...although masking certainly reduces the transmission of airborne virus, masking is about protecting other students and teachers and staff from kid's spit.

It's just not true that everything is solved by people making their own choice to mask.

[Ace Rothstein]

10. Then people should get vaccinated and wear an N95 if they are still worried.

[Tomconroy]

11. Supposedly the N95 masks when worn properly offer

outstanding protection from Covid. If a teacher actually has concerns nothing prevents them from continuing to wear a mask.

[qazplm135]

7. Ultimately

A majority of people will I think fairly soon reach the no more stage.

We aren't quite there yet but I think by Spring we will be.

There's nothing politicians will be able to do but acquiesce at that point with an election coming up.