Is the worst of COVID-19 over? Yes, say several scientists, perhaps for the first time in more than two years of a pandemic that affected every facet of life in every corner of the globe.

The pandemic will be over but COVID-19 will be here to stay, the scientists said as COVID-19 numbers begin to ebb in several parts of the world, including India.

The disease in its current form will still contribute to a steady background of cases, neither increasing sharply nor declining abruptly.