According to the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, around 10,000 people died in December due to Covid in approximately 50 countries. This is a stark increase from the previous month, with hospitalizations and serious cases rising by 42 and 62% respectively compared to November.
While Covid may no longer be classified as a global health emergency, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the virus is still circulating, mutating, and taking lives. “Data from various sources indicates an increase in transmission in December,” he added.
The global community continues to grapple with the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, and these latest statistics serve as a sobering reminder of the virus’s ability to cause significant harm. As we enter a new year, it is clear that Covid remains a threat that requires continued vigilance and decisive action to mitigate its spread and impact on public health.