World Health Organization Warns of the Continuing Threat of Covid-19
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 10 thousand deaths caused by Covid-19 in the world in the month of December. The WHO warns that while Covid-19 may no longer be classified as a global health emergency, the virus remains a threat, continuing to circulate, mutate, and cause fatalities.
During a recent press update, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that there has been an increase in transmission of the virus in December, driven by gatherings during the holiday period and the emergence of the JN.1 variant, now the most commonly reported variant globally. Additionally, the WHO reported a 42% increase in hospital admissions and a 62% increase in intensive care admissions in comparison to the previous month.
Ghebreyesus emphasized that while the 10,000 deaths per month are lower than peak periods of the pandemic, they are still unacceptable. The WHO is urging people to get vaccinated and wear masks where necessary, and calling on governments to maintain surveillance and sequencing, as well as ensure access to tests, treatments, and vaccines.
The WHO declared the end of the international public health emergency for Covid-19 last May, more than three years after the first cases were recorded in China. However, the organization’s recent warnings highlight the ongoing threat of the virus and the importance of continued vigilance and preventative measures.
In Italy, there were 38,737 new cases and 371 deaths reported in the week of December 28th to January 3rd, further underscoring the need for continued efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19.
The WHO’s message serves as a stark reminder that while significant progress has been made in the fight against Covid-19, the virus is not yet defeated, and the importance of vaccination, testing, and preventive measures remains crucial in order to prevent further loss of life.