WHO declares end to COVID-19 global health emergency
Korea HeraldDec 24, 2022
The Facts
The World Health Organization (WHO) downgraded the threat level of COVID on Friday, saying it no longer qualifies as a global emergency.
The WHO first gave COVID its highest designation on Jan. 30, 2020, and its panel has continued to apply the label at meetings held every three months. WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that yesterday the committee held its 15th meeting and recommended ending the public health emergency.
The Spin
Narrative A
Lifting the global emergency label on COVID is a sign of the progress the world has achieved. While the virus still poses a threat, many regions of the world have adapted and the pandemic has receded in these places. The situation must continue to be assessed, but for now, it is no longer a global health emergency and it is time to begin moving on.
Narrative B
COVID is not over. The virus continues to kill someone every three minutes. The ending of the global health emergency label sends a dangerous message that may cause people to become complacent. One of the worst things countries could do right now is to dismantle the programs and protections created to deal with the virus and its long-lasting effects.
Metaculus Prediction
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