The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Covid-19 no longer represents a "global health emergency." The decision was made after careful analysis of data that showed a significant drop in the virus's death rate from a peak of over 100,000 people per week in January 2021 to just over 3,500 on 24 April. However, the head of the WHO warned that the true death toll from Covid-19 was likely closer to 20 million, nearly three times the official estimate. He emphasized that the removal of the highest level of alert did not mean the danger was over and that the emergency status could be reinstated if the situation changed. While vaccines have been a major turning point in the pandemic, with 13 billion doses given worldwide, many countries still have not reached most of those in need. The WHO urged countries not to let down their guard and to continue managing Covid in the way they think best.
Photo Credit: Japheth Mast