The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that COVID-19 remains a significant threat, despite partially going under the radar.
In December, nearly 10,000 COVID-19 deaths were reported, along with a 42 percent increase in hospitalizations and a 62 percent increase in intensive care unit admissions compared to November.
The WHO attributes the increased transmission to gatherings during the Christmas holiday period and the JN.1 variant, which is now the most commonly reported variant worldwide.
The data analyzed by the WHO is based on information from less than 50 countries, primarily in Europe and the Americas. However, the organization believes that there are likely increases in other countries that are not being reported.
While COVID-19 is no longer classified as a global health emergency, the virus is still circulating, evolving, and causing deaths. WHO emphasized the importance of maintaining virus surveillance, sequencing, and access to affordable and reliable tests, treatments, and vaccines.
He also urged individuals to continue practicing preventive measures such as vaccination, testing, wearing masks, and ensuring proper ventilation in crowded indoor spaces.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 11, 2024
