Final Word from Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Hardly had we quoted Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the WHO as saying that the "pandemic is nowhere near over," but one of his colleagues issued a more-optimistic assessment. Dr. Hans Kluge, the WHO's regional director for Europe, echoed his boss in saying that the "pandemic is far from over" and that "it is almost a given that new covid-19 variants will emerge and return," but his main purpose was to give hope that the "emergency phase" could be ended this year and that we will be able to "address other health threats that urgently require our attention." There will probably be another wave, he said, but it shouldn't require the "return to pandemic-era, population-wide lockdowns or similar measures." He soothed the pain of the covid-fatigued masses, but without hinting at all about when the pandemic itself might be lifted. The approach of the Czech cabinet is similar. It's talking about an easing, but it's also working on a pandemic law that would last forever. [ Czech Republic World Health Organization relaxation director-general ]
Glossary of difficult words
to soothe - to reduce pain or discomfort in (a part of the body);
fatigue - extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness; a lessening in one's response to or enthusiasm for something, caused by overexposure;
assessment - evaluation; judgment;
to echo - to repeat (someone's words or opinions), typically to express agreement.