The World Health Organization announced on May 5, 2023 that the COVID-19 epidemic would no longer constitute a "public health emergency of international concern". More than three years ago, on January 30, 2020 local time, WHO announced that the COVID-19 constituted a "public health emergency of international concern", which is the highest level early warning that WHO can issue in accordance with the International Health Regulations. The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a turning point. What are the main considerations for this decision? What kind of impact will it bring to our country and the world? Xinhua News Agency reporters interviewed Liang Wannian, the expert group leader of the Leading Group for Epidemic Response and Response Work of the National Health Commission, and Shi Guoqing, the deputy director of the Emergency Center of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to provide immediate explanations. WHO's decision shows that the harm of the COVID-19 epidemic can be effectively controlled at present. Question: What are the main considerations based on WHO's declaration that the COVID-19 epidemic no longer constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern"? Liang Wannian: I think it is mainly based on several considerations. First, from the perspective of the current epidemic situation, the number of COVID-19 infections, the number of inpatients, the number of ICU inpatients, and the number of deaths reported globally are all in a continuous decline. Second, although COVID-19 continues to mutate, the harm of the mutated strains to human health has not changed much. Thirdly, globally, a relatively good immune barrier has been established through natural infection and vaccination among the population. Fourthly, over the past three years, countries have strengthened their capacity building in medical assistance systems and public health systems, including human resources, protective equipment, drugs, and other aspects. Based on these factors, a relatively balanced state has been achieved between human resistance and the virus, and it has also met the basic requirements of the International Health Regulations for ending "international public health emergencies". Of course, ending the "sudden public health emergencies of international concern" does not mean that the harm of the epidemic will be completely eliminated, but rather indicates that with human current capabilities, this harm can be effectively controlled. Cross border transportation, trade, travel and other restrictions will be further reduced. Q: What impact will this decision of the World Health Organization have globally? What does it mean for our country? Liang Wannian: Some restrictions on cross-border transportation, trade, and travel will be further reduced or even eliminated, which should be the biggest impact. China's international exchanges, including trade, tourism, and academic exchanges, are expected to reduce the inconvenience caused by some epidemic prevention and control measures. Of course, this does not mean that China will let the COVID-19 epidemic go. As long as the harm of the epidemic still exists, we will continue to do a good job in relevant prevention and control work, continue to closely unite with countries around the world, and jointly take more targeted measures to protect the health of the people. Shi Guoqing: The announcement by WHO that the COVID-19 no longer constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern" does not mean the end of the COVID-19 epidemic. We are still in the process of COVID-19 epidemic, and we need to continue to do a good job in prevention and control. To monitor the variation of COVID-19 and constantly improve the public health system, ask: How will China respond to the COVID-19 in the next step? Liang Wannian: There are several aspects of work that need to be continued. One is perseverance