If you’ve been thinking that COVID-19 is a thing of the past, it’s time to reconsider. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning that COVID-19 is still very much a global threat, with recent data showing a troubling increase in the percentage of positive tests across 84 countries.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead for COVID-19, highlighted this concern in a recent briefing. “COVID-19 is still very much with us,” she emphasized, noting that the virus is actively circulating in all countries. According to data from WHO’s sentinel-based surveillance system, the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been climbing steadily in recent weeks. “Overall, test positivity is above 10 percent, but this fluctuates per region. In Europe, positivity rates have soared above 20 percent,” Dr. Van Kerkhove revealed.
The resurgence of COVID-19 is not limited to one region. New waves of infections have been recorded across the Americas, Europe, and the Western Pacific. Wastewater surveillance data suggests that the actual circulation of SARS-CoV-2 could be two to 20 times higher than reported figures, indicating widespread underreporting. What’s particularly concerning is that these surges are happening during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, a time when respiratory viruses typically retreat.
Recent high-profile cases underscore the virus’s persistence. President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 in July, and during the Paris Olympics, at least 40 athletes were infected with COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses.
Given these developments, the WHO is urging everyone, particularly those in at-risk groups, to ensure they are vaccinated. “As individuals, it is important to take measures to reduce the risk of infection and severe disease, including ensuring that you have had a COVID-19 vaccination dose in the last 12 months,” Dr. Van Kerkhove stressed.
However, the WHO acknowledges that the availability of vaccines has declined over the past 12-18 months. The number of vaccine producers has decreased, making it challenging to maintain the rapid production levels seen in 2021 and 2022. Despite this, Dr. Van Kerkhove insists there is still a significant demand for COVID-19 vaccines.
The message from the WHO is clear: COVID-19 remains a serious global health issue. As new, potentially more severe variants threaten to emerge, staying vigilant and up-to-date with vaccinations is crucial for protecting ourselves and our communities.
Read Now:Tragedy in Brazil All 62 Aboard Perish in Horrific Plane Crash
