The World Health Organization says the coronavirus pandemic “no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.” COVID-19 does, however, remain an “established and ongoing health issue.”

The declaration was made Friday in conjunction with the 15th meeting of the WHO’s International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

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 WHO says the Committee’s position has been evolving over the last several months and, 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.

The declaration, however, came with warnings. Among them that countries and governments should:

• Prepare for future events “to avoid the occurrence of a cycle of panic and neglect” by having preparedness plans and restoring health programs adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Integrate COVID-19 vaccinations into life course vaccination program and maintain efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage for all people in the high-priority groups.

• Continue to lift COVID-19 international travel related health measures, based on risk assessments, and to not require any proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a prerequisite for international travel.

• Continue to support research to improve vaccines that reduce transmission and have broad applicability.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he concurred with the committee’s findings and was particularly pleased to deliver the long-awaited news.