No, unfortunately COVID-19 is still a very real threat. The virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly changing and we continue to see new lineages of the Omicron variant, such as XBB.1.5, emerge and become the dominant lineage in the US.[1] According to McKinsey's evolving perspectives on when will the COVID-19 pandemic end, it is considered an endemic disease that is already underway in many locations.[2] This means that there may not be a quick ending to the pandemic, but rather a transition to managing the virus as it continues to threaten us for years to come. Additionally, ending the public health emergency could make it harder for some people to access free vaccines, tests, and treatments, which could further exacerbate health inequities