Learning to live with covid-19: testing, vaccination, and mask wearing still play a key part in managing the pandemic

With a fall in covid-19 mortality and hospital admission rates over the past two years,1 public interest in the pandemic has reduced.12 However, SARS-CoV-2 remains in widespread circulation.2 As we approach winter, a period associated with increased strain on our NHS, what can we expect from the covid-19 pandemic, and how can we prepare?As temperatures in the UK fall, we are seeing a steady increase in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, in keeping with patterns seen with other respiratory viruses, such as influenza.23 SARS-CoV-2 test positivity was almost five times greater in September 2023, compared with June and July.2 This has coincided with the emergence of new variants, such as BA.2.86, named “Pirola” and JN.1.45 Early data suggest that BA.2.86 has higher angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor binding affinity than previous omicron variants, which may be associated with increased transmissibility.4Accurately predicting future trends in SARS-CoV-2 infection and tracking the emergence of new variants…
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