COVID-19 Global Risk Assessment- Version 10

Overview

WHO regularly conducts risk assessments for graded emergencies in accordance with the WHO Emergency Response Framework. As of 30 July 2026, the global public health risk from COVID-19 remains moderate following an assessment of data and information reported between 1 January and 30 July 2026. While the direct public health impact of COVID-19 has declined compared with the early phases of the pandemic (the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency of International Concern - PHEIC, was lifted on 5 May 2023), the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to circulate globally, maintaining its capacity to cause severe disease and fatalities, particularly among high-risk populations, including older and immunocompromised adults and people living with comorbidities. As of 28 June 2026, over 779 million confirmed cases and over seven million confirmed deaths have been reported globally to WHO since the event was confirmed to WHO in 2020, while seroprevalence estimates suggest that there are orders of magnitude more infections and reinfections that remain unreported. Uncertainties persist regarding the long-term consequences for the health of individuals suffering repeated infections and/or affected by post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Global estimates indicate that 6% of people with symptomatic COVID-19 infection develop PCC, with reduced risk in vaccinated individuals. Of these, approximately 15% have persistent symptoms even at 12 months. Continued global circulation and ongoing virus evolution and diversification, including in established animal reservoirs, warrant constant monitoring and vigilance.