COVID-19: Global Emergency Phase Ends, Shifting to Long-Term Management

Geneva, Switzerland: The World Health Organization declared an official end to COVID-19’s status as a global public health emergency, citing significant declines in severe infections and rising immunity levels worldwide. The U.S. similarly allowed its federal COVID emergency to expire, scaling back free testing and vaccine distribution. Although the virus remains in circulation, authorities say it can be managed alongside other endemic illnesses like seasonal flu. Millions of infections still occur, and new variants continue to emerge. Health officials emphasize that staying current on boosters, monitoring symptoms, and following local guidelines can mitigate future surges.