By Silvia Senna

Covid Ending Reaction

World Health Organization announce COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency

May 5, 2023 | 3:56 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — After over three years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization announced this morning it is no longer a global health emergency. The information comes after the WHO announced the pandemic has been on a downward trend for more than a year.

B.C. Minister of Health Adrian Dix explained this is a reflection of both the community and the health care system improvement.

“It reflects what we know, which is that we’ve been adapting in our response to COVID 19, both as a community and as a health care system, and that we have to continue to do so. But this is kind of it’s positive news and that reflects improvement, not just here but around the world,” he said.

Tax season

Days away from deadline, 1 in 4 Canadians still haven't filed taxes

9h ago

Chetwynd wildfire

"Really quite terrified:" Chetwynd reacts to ongoing fight against wildfire

10h ago

Hospice looks to expand into palliative care

10h ago

However, Dix emphasized this does not mean the pandemic is over.

“It’s going to be with us for the foreseeable future. We have to continue to deal with COVID 19 and its long standing impacts on us, but also obviously keep building out all the other aspects of our health care system,” the Minister explained.

He also said people should keep taking precautions and don’t forget about the lessons we have learnt throughout the last three years.

“The lessons we’ve learned are good lessons for every day, and they’re not just for COVID 19. Wash your hands frequently, wear masks where appropriate. Get vaccinated. Stay home when you’re sick. It was good advice in 2019, and it’s good advice in 2023. Whether it’s a global health emergency or not, we still have to care for one another.”