The government announced on Tuesday that it’s no longer treating Covid-19 as an “emergency”, as it lowered its response to “alert” level after over three years.

In a statement, a government spokesperson said the adjustment was based on advice from the World Health Organisation, as well as assessment conducted locally.

Following the downgrade, Chief Executive John Lee will hand over the leadership of a Covid task force to the Department of Health, and an expert advisory panel will be disbanded.

The Centre for Health Protection's emergency response centre will also cease operation, along with the emergency command centre under the Hospital Authority.

“The lowering of the response level marks a major milestone in Hong Kong people's fight against the epidemic over the past three years,” the spokesman said.

“Thanks to the support from and high compliance with various anti-epidemic measures by citizens and all sectors of the community all along, Hong Kong has achieved outcomes in combating the epidemic at the current stage.”