The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an end to the COVID-19 global health emergency that lasted for over three years, following a recommendation by its Emergency Committee. While this marks significant progress in the fight against the pandemic, the WHO says that COVID-19 still remains a serious global health threat. The emergency declaration allowed international attention to be focused on the pandemic and enabled collaboration on the development of vaccines and treatments. Ending the emergency could mean that international collaboration or funding efforts are also brought to an end or shifted in focus. In the US, the end of the declaration would affect access to free over-the-counter coronavirus tests and certain treatments for those with private insurance or Medicare. Meanwhile, Medicaid beneficiaries will continue to have access to free coronavirus tests until September 2024, while vaccines will remain free for everyone for the time being. While globally, COVID-19 cases and deaths are at their lowest in three years, experts warn that the disease is still here to stay and could continue to cause waves, calling for continued vigilance and tracking of the virus.