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Coronavirus | Pic: AFP
The coronavirus pandemic could continue until 2022 and will not be under control until the majority of the world’s population becomes immune, according to a report published by experts.
“The duration of the pandemic will likely be 18 to 24 months, as collective immunity gradually develops in the human population,” the researchers wrote in a report from the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.
Citing the most recent flu pandemic, the report noted that the highly transmissible coronavirus that causes COVID-19 will likely continue to spread for two years and will likely not stop spreading until 60 to 70 percent of the population is immune, The Hill reported
“Due to a longer incubation period, a more asymptomatic spread, and a higher R0, COVID-19 appears to spread more easily than the flu,” the report said.
The researchers recommended that the US USA Prepare for the worst case scenario, including the lack of availability of vaccines or collective immunity.
“Risk communication messages from government officials should incorporate the concept that this pandemic will not end soon and that people must be prepared for possible periodic resurgences of the disease in the next two years,” they said.
The coronavirus, which has wreaked havoc worldwide, has so far killed more than 2.60,000 people and infected more than 32 million people.
The report comes at a time when governments around the world are loosening social distancing restrictions designed to curb the spread of the virus.
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said earlier this week that the second wave of coronavirus is “inevitable,” as the virus is highly contagious and has spread worldwide.
