WHO Drops COVID-19 Emergency Status but Warns Virus Still Looms
Hopeful Words from WHO Boss Tedros
The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, struck a hopeful tone recently. While he confirmed COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, he warned the virus remains a serious threat worldwide.
Not the End of the Pandemic Just Yet
Back in May last year, WHO experts hinted the pandemic’s end was in sight, issuing policies on infection control, testing, vaccinations, and battling misinformation. However, the latest WHO announcement clarifies that while the crisis phase is easing, COVID-19 is far from over.
From Global Lockdowns to Lost Lives
The pandemic was officially declared on March 11, 2020. It sparked worldwide lockdowns and travel bans, upending millions of lives. Several countries suffered heavy death tolls and devastating economic blows.
NHS COVID App to Be Switched Off
In the UK, the NHS COVID app—launched in September 2020 and used by millions across England and Wales to track the virus—is winding down. It was switched off last month and will be fully discontinued on May 16th.
