Despite changes in COVID-19 policies, the U.S. is not moving its pandemic goal posts, Jerome Adams, MD, who served as surgeon general from 2017-21, wrote in The Washington Post on Jan. 9.
He said changes in COVID-19 policies may signal to some a change in public health officials' approach to the pandemic. Dr. Adams wrote that the goal remains, "a reopening of society that reasonably and equitably balances the risks of clinical vs. societal harm from the novel coronavirus."
Calling for boosters and improved masks isn't "moving the goal posts," he argued. Instead, the measures represent the evolving response given that the virus has presented new challenges.
"Our game plan must include vaccination, testing, treatment, masking, ventilation, improving overall health and, critically, a team effort to execute these practices," Dr. Adams said.