After three long gruelling years of Covid-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday declared that the pandemic is no longer a public health emergency.
Covid-19 was declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in January 2020. About six weeks later, it was characterised as a pandemic. The deadly disease has to date infected over 763 million and claimed more than 6.9 million lives globally.
Based on a decreasing trend in Covid-19 deaths, related hospitalisations and intensive care unit admissions, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday recommended to end the health emergency at the 15th meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee.
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.
"For more than a year the pandemic has been on a downward trend," Ghebreyesus said at a news conference on Friday.
"This trend has allowed most countries to return to life as we knew it before Covid-19.
"Yesterday, the emergency committee met for the 15th time and recommended to me that I declare an end to the public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice," he said.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus will, however, continue to have pandemic status like HIV.
Although there has been a fresh surge in Covid cases, due to Omicron sub-variants XBB.1.15 and XBB.1.15, both infections and deaths have been the lowest in the three years.
Yet, more than 3,500 people died in the last week of April and billions remain unvaccinated.
The WHO chief also expressed concern that surveillance reporting to WHO has declined significantly, and that there continues to be inequitable access to life-saving interventions, and that pandemic fatigue continues to grow.
Meanwhile, many countries have also ended their states of emergency for Covid. The US also aims to lift its Covid emergency on May 11.
Delhi Police, EC indulge in hooliganism against AAP, ignore BJP's misconduct: Kejriwal
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal sharply criticised the Delhi Police and the Election Commission on Tuesday for what he described as their biased and unprofessional behaviour in handling election-related issues claiming that they were indulging in "hooliganism" against the AAP and were covering the BJP's misconduct.
Delhi CM Atishi booked for violating MCC; her supporters for attacking police
The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered two cases - first against Chief Minister Atishi for violation of the Model Code of Conduct and another against her supporters for obstructing government work and attacking police.
UNGA President to visit India from today to deepen multilateral ties on global issues
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Philemon Yang is set to embark on an official visit to India from February 4 to February 8 at the invitation of the Government of India.
Light rainfall graces Delhi-NCR, brings down temperature, improves AQI
Delhi-NCR woke up to light rainfall on Tuesday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting that showers will continue throughout the day.
Delhi Police on high alert ahead of Assembly elections, leads late-night patrolling
The South District Police conducted a late-night patrol, which was led by DCP Ankit Chauhan. The patrol was part of the ongoing efforts to ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents during the election period.
Shutting USAID weakens US, helps adversaries: Democrats
They took aim at President Donald Trump’s adviser Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who announced the decision on Monday, questioning his authority.
Govt continued development despite Covid & ethnic violence: Manipur CM
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Monday said that despite the state losing four-and-a-half-years to the COVID-19 pandemic and ethnic violence, the government has continued the developmental works in the state.
BAPS Hindu Mandir and cultural complex opens in South Africa’s Johannesburg
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in Northriding, Johannesburg officially opened its doors on Monday, following the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony, led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the global spiritual leader of BAPS.