This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, many are left wondering: when will life return to normal?
According to experts, the virus may become a long-term endemic, similar to HIV/AIDS, which has never been eradicated but is effectively managed through treatment.
China and South Korea have demonstrated that social distancing works, slowing the spread of the virus and limiting hospital overcrowding. This has given researchers valuable time to develop vaccines and reduce infections.
However, no one knows how long social distancing measures will last. China, for instance, locked down Wuhan and Hubei provinces on January 23, and has since reported zero cases.
In Kenya, a raft of safety measures should be put in place, including reducing school class sizes to achieve social distancing.
Even with effective vaccines on the horizon, it will take immense work to produce sufficient doses for global distribution. The vaccine may not be available until 2021.
