The public is facing two conflicting beliefs to our detriment. On the one hand, some are led to believe that the pandemic is over. On the other hand, some are led to believe there is no way to control COVID-19 infections. Both are wrong.

Stopping infections doesn’t take much time. Done well, it still takes just 4-6 weeks. Just as Omicron BA.2’s more infectious nature accelerates growth, it also accelerates the decline because of its shorter infection cycle. Investment in low-cost and low-effort interventions over the short term can lead to fully opening in a sustainable pre-pandemic normal. We must regain control over infections in order to lessen the risk of Long COVID to millions more that will last for years to come.