The World Health Organization (WHO) has ended its global emergency status for COVID-19. However, the virus is still harmful and China will continue to monitor it. China will also increase vaccinations for high-risk groups and improve COVID treatment capabilities. The WHO says that countries should now manage the virus along with other infectious diseases. This doesn’t mean COVID will disappear, but its impact can now be effectively controlled.
China has held onto its zero tolerance for COVID long after most countries started living with the virus, only abandoning restrictive policies in late 2022. In February, China’s top leaders declared a “decisive victory” against COVID and claimed the world’s lowest fatality rate. However, experts have questioned Beijing’s data.
Overall, while the global emergency status for COVID is over, risks still remain. It’s important for countries to monitor the virus and take steps to control its impact.
