COVID-19 no longer global health emergency

Administrator | May 05, 2023 | Comments 0

MAY 5, 2023: The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

The WHO announcement is a step toward the end of the pandemic which the organization states has killed more than 6.9 million people, disrupted the global economy and ravaged communities.

The emergency committee, meeting for the 15th time, recommended May 4 that WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declare an end to the public health emergency.

He noted the number of weekly reported deaths and hospitalizations continues to decrease, but expressed concern that surveillance reporting to WHO has declined significantly, that there continues to be inequitable access to life-saving interventions, and that pandemic fatigue continues to grow.

He announced the publication of the 2023-2025 COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan which is designed to guide countries in transitioning to long-term management of COVID-19.

It was noted that while SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, the currently circulating variants do not appear to be associated with increased severity.

The WHO Director-General will convene a review committee to advise on standing recommendations for the long-term management of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Temporary recommendations include sustaining gains and preparing for future events; integrating the vaccination into life course programs, continuing diverse respiratory pathogen surveillance data, preparing for medical countermeasures to ensure long-term availabilty and supply; continue to work with commuinities and leaders working toward resilient and inclusive risk communities; continue to lift international travel related health measures and continue to support research.

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increase in region

MAY 2 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is reporting a hike in high-risk setting COVID-19 with 34 new, and 37 active cases in the region – still far below numbers seen in March

Hospitalization were also up for the week ending May 6 with six, though none required intensive care.

Those numbers are up from 17 new and 20 active high-risk setting COVID-19 cases at the April 25 dashboard report. Last week there were two hospitalizations among the four hospitals in Picton, Belleville, Trenton and Bancroft. None required intensive care.

The outbreak at Chartwell Bayview Retirement Home continues.