The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 no longer represents a “global health emergency” on May 5.  The decision came after a recommendation from a committee of global health experts that found the situation no longer meets the criteria of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

A PHEIC is an official designation that triggers certain actions and recommendations under the International Health Regulations on surveillance, reporting, and response. WHO issued a new preparedness and response plan on May 3 that sets out objectives for countries to move from crisis response to long-term management of COVID-19.