End of COVID-19 emergency response

A statement from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, on the end of the COVID-19 emergency response.

Date published:
Media type:
Statement
Audience:
General public

COVID-19 is no longer a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).

While COVID-19 remains a serious threat to the health of Australians, and requires ongoing vigilance by the public and governments, state and territory health systems are well placed to manage the virus alongside other infectious diseases.

A focus remains on vaccination, prevention, reducing transmission and management of serious illness, hospitalisations and death.

The removal of the CDINS declaration will not have any significant impact on the ongoing management of COVID-19 in Australia, given that most of the national coordination and response measures have already ended.

Targeted surveillance and monitoring of COVID-19 will be maintained through well-established national and sentinel surveillance programs. Data and reports on COVID-19 will continue to be published and updated regularly.

We will continue to work closely with state and territory health agencies, to ensure a consistent and dedicated response to the virus.

This declaration has been supported by Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) members. Read the statement from the AHPPC.

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