ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Tuesday marks five years since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency, altering daily life across the U.S. While the virus is far weaker today, its effects continue to shape public health, workplaces, and consumer habits.
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have significantly declined since the pandemic’s peak. However, medical experts warn that the virus is not gone—just more manageable.
“Since COVID, we’ve had something happen that had never really happened before,” said Dr. Todd Husty, a medical expert. “Many people question vaccines and whether they’re safe, which isn’t fair. We’ve had vaccines for 50 years that have worked perfectly.”
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Vaccine hesitancy remains a concern, with booster rates dropping despite recommendations from health officials. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer Americans are opting for updated COVID-19 boosters, reflecting a broader skepticism about vaccines.
“COVID brought up this whole thing about vaccine safety in general, instead of specifically for that vaccine,” Husty said.
Health officials say COVID-19 is now one of many viruses the public must manage long-term.
“There are a lot of diseases that are going to be around and just aren’t going to leave,” Husty said. “The flu, the common cold, measles—COVID is just another one of those.”
Beyond public health, the pandemic has reshaped how Americans live and work.
Remote work remains a lasting trend, with millions continuing to work from home. Many companies are still adjusting, seeking a balance between in-office collaboration and flexible work arrangements.
Online shopping habits that surged during the pandemic have also endured. Curbside pickup and same-day delivery, once emergency solutions, are now standard services for major retailers.
The shift to virtual learning during the pandemic exposed and deepened digital learning gaps, particularly among students from low-income families. Many schools continue to address learning loss from extended periods of online education.
Five years after the pandemic’s emergency declaration, COVID-19 no longer dominates headlines, but its effects are still felt in everyday life. From public health to the workplace and education, the pandemic’s influence is likely to last for years to come.
