WHO chief urges caution against the coronavirus

The surge in Covid-19 cases has been attributed to celebratory gatherings and parties during the holiday season.

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COVID-19 virus cells in blood under the microscope.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a cautionary notice regarding the escalating health threats posed by the coronavirus. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, conveyed in Geneva that during the recent festive period around the turn of the year, there was a surge in the number of infections. This surge was attributed to celebratory gatherings and parties involving numerous individuals.

The primary culprit behind this increase is identified as the JN.1 variant, a subset of the Omicron variant that emerged towards the end of 2021. The WHO’s assessment is grounded in compelling evidence that has come to their attention.

Despite the fact that Covid-19 is no longer categorized as an international health emergency, Tedros emphasized that the virus is still actively circulating, evolving, and causing fatalities. He urged people globally to persist in getting vaccinated, wear masks in crowded indoor settings, and prioritize adequate ventilation in all spaces.

The WHO has noted a rise in reported hospitalizations due to Covid-19, with a notable 42% increase in December compared to November. The number of patients requiring intensive care has surged by 62%. Tedros clarified that these statistics are derived from reports submitted by 50 countries in Europe, North America, and South America. It is reasonable to infer that infections have also increased in other countries, even if they no longer provide updates to the WHO.

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