EP44 Hot Issue - What is an endemic

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said, Malaysia can start preparing its move into an endemic by end of October. The endemic stage of a disease is when a country achieves high vaccination coverage of its population. ​The dictionary definition of the word is "adjective that means natural to, native to, confined to, or widespread within a place or population of people." This is sort of the next natural progression when a virus doesn't go away, sort of like dengue. Scientists are still working on ways to eradicate the disease. When a disease reaches this stage, it's usually more controlled and we know how to prevent its spread. In the case of COVID-19, we will most probably resume "normal" lives where all economic sectors, schools and other places that have been closed will be open. However, the mandatory mask wearing as well as other precautions such as getting vaccinated, maintaining social distancing and good hygiene will still be in practice.