COVID-19 as the New Normal: Evolution, Endemicity, and Public Health Strategies

Abstract

As COVID-19 transitions from a pandemic to an endemic disease, public health efforts must increasingly focus on

sustainable surveillance systems, adaptive prevention strategies, and long-term health system preparedness to

mitigate ongoing population-level impact. The emergence of new Omicron subvariants such as LF.7 and NB.1.8 in

Southeast Asia—often an early indicator of global SARS-CoV-2 transmission trends—highlights the virus’s

continued evolution and its capacity for periodic surges. Waning population immunity and the limited effectiveness

of current vaccines in preventing transmission have altered the epidemiological profile of COVID-19. As a result, its

transmission dynamics now resemble those of other seasonal respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory

syncytial virus (RSV).This communication outlines the public health implications of COVID-19’s endemic nature and

proposes long-term preparedness strategies for policymakers, health systems, and public health professionals