How the COVID-19 pandemic has changed healthcare and access to healthcare

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Three years later, COVID-19 continues to shape our lives in business, education and, of course, medicine and health care.

Tracy Townsend spoke with 10TV Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts said she was pleased with the progress, but warned there was room for improvement.

Dr. Roberts was at the forefront in March 2020 as the pandemic loomed and central Ohio saw the long-awaited mass gathering of thousands for the Arnold Sports Festival.

At the time, there were no vaccines or means of mass testing, and Dr. Roberts urged city and state officials to cancel the event. She said she didn’t regret calling.

“It was the best thing we did for our community. I strongly believe that we have not allowed CNN to be the epicenter of a major outbreak in Ohio on a regular basis,” said Dr. Roberts.

Three years later, Columbus, like cities across the country, switched from mass testing sites to home testing kits. Dr. Roberts said she is most encouraged by the focus on public health and the now-common prevention health strategies, including hand sanitizing stations in public places, vaccinations and staying home if you are sick.