COVID-19 Pandemic Remains Public Health Emergency of International Concern
The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared Friday. The announcement came after the third meeting of the Emergency Committee on COVID-19 concluded. The Director-General had convened the committee on 30 April 2020 under the International Health Regulations (IHR).
Membership of the Emergency Committee was expanded to reflect the nature of the pandemic and the need to include additional areas of expertise. Members and advisors of the committee reviewed the current situation over teleconference. The Director-General accepted the committee’s advice and issued its advice to States Parties as temporary recommendations under the IHR.
The Director-General will reconvene the Emergency Committee within three months or earlier if necessary.