COVID-19 no longer represents a global health emergency, the World Health Organization said on Friday.
It's a major step towards the end of the pandemic that has killed more than 6.9 million people, disrupted the global economy and ravaged communities
The WHO's emergency committee first declared that COVID represented its highest level of alert more than three years ago, on January 30, 2020.
The status helps focus international attention on a health threat, as well as bolstering collaboration on vaccines and treatments.
Lifting it is a sign of the progress the world has made in these areas, but COVID-19 is here to stay, the WHO has said, even if it no longer represents an emergency.
The death rate has slowed from a peak of more than 100,000 people per week in January 2021 to just over 3,500 in the week to April 24, according to WHO data.
Fire in rebel-held east Congo kills 24 schoolchildren
Trump touts $5,000 payout if Republicans win as Vance waits in wings
Search expands after Philippine ferry fire kills five and leaves dozens missing
Trump says Iran war to end after US midterm elections
At least 20 killed in cargo vessel fire at China shipyard, state media reports
