The novel coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 – which caused the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 until now – no longer represents a global health emergency, the World Health Organization has said.
The statement of the fifteenth meeting of the WHO’s International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee, which met on May 4, reads:
”During the deliberative session, the Committee members highlighted the decreasing trend in COVID-19 deaths, the decline in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2. The Committee’s position has been evolving over the last several months. While acknowledging the remaining uncertainties posted by potential evolution of SARS-CoV-2, they advised that it is time to transition to long-term management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
”Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,the WHO Director-General, concurs with the advice offered by the Committee regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He determines that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).”
The advice provided by the Committee regarding the proposed Temporary Recommendations and issued them as per the below statement. The WHO Director-General will convene an IHR Review Committee to advise on Standing Recommendations for the long-term management of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, taking into account the 2023-2025 COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. During this transition, States Parties are advised to continue following the issued Temporary Recommendations. The Director-General expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chair, the Members, and the Advisors of the Committee for their engagement and advice during the last three years.
Further reading:
https://www.who.int/teams/ihr/ihr-review-committees
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-WHE-SPP-2023.1
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