As the World Health Organization notes, the numbers showing the global increase in COVID-19 cases may indicate a problem. What? Perhaps this is not the end of the pandemic yet. Why? As some countries report a decline in test rates. WHO suggests being vigilant against the virus.
The number of new infections is increasing all over the world. WHO warns
Published March 17, 2022 10:42
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After more than a month of noticeable decline in statistics on new coronavirus infections worldwide, the number of infections has again increased. According to WHO, this was due to the highly infectious Omicron and its variant BA.2 and the lifting of restrictions. "This increase is taking place despite the reduction in the number of tests in some countries, which means that the cases we are seeing are just the tip of the iceberg," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The low vaccination rate in some countries, due in part to the massive amount of disinformation, also explains the rise.
The number of new infections increased by 8%. worldwide compared to the previous week, with 11 million new cases and just over 43,000 new deaths reported between March 7-13. This is the first increase since the end of January. The biggest jump was in the West Pacific region, which includes South Korea and China, where cases increased by 25% and deaths by 27%. Africa also had 12 percent. increase in the number of new cases and 14 percent. increase in deaths. In Europe, the number of deaths has not changed, but there has been a 2% increase in cases. Other regions reported a decrease in cases, including the Eastern Mediterranean.
Many experts have voiced concerns that Europe is facing another wave of coronavirus as cases have increased in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UK since early March. WHO's Maria Van Kerkhove said at a briefing that BA.2 appears to be the fastest spreading variant of the coronavirus by far. Importantly, however, there is no indication that it causes more severe disease, and there is no evidence that any other new variants are contributing to the increase in cases.
Is it right to reduce the restrictions? "I agree with the relaxation of the restrictions, because after two years it cannot be thought of as an emergency," said Antonella Viola, professor of immunology at the Italian University of Padua. “We just can't help but think that COVID-19 no longer exists. So take the absolutely necessary measures, which are essentially a matter of continuous monitoring and tracking of cases, and maintaining the obligation to wear masks in confined or very crowded places. "
The Minister of Health, Adam Niedzielski, recommends lifting all restrictions from the beginning of April. He submitted this suggestion to the Prime Minister.
Source: Reuters
