COVID is still a threat, governments should be prepared: WHO

In the first press conference of 2024 held on January 10, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said that COVID risk is still high. "Although Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency, the virus is still circulating, changing, and killing," the UN health agency's chief said in the media briefing on global health issues.

"Sadly at the end of 2023, we passed the 7 million mark for the number of #COVID19 deaths reported to @WHO . 7,010,586 to be exact. The true death toll is higher, with estimates of at >3 times more deaths globally. 7 million… devastating," Maria Van Kerkhove, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist; COVID-19 Technical Lead, Director ai Epidemic & Pandemic Preparedness & Prevention, WHO tweeted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

WHO had declared an end to COVID as an international public health emergency in May 2023, more than three years on from when the virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, in late 2019.

(Image: AP)

He spoke about JN.1 variant which is now the most commonly-reported around the globe and cited WHO data, from mostly Europe and the Americas, from various sources which pointed to increased transmission last month, fuelled by gatherings over the Christmas holiday period and the new variant. There was a 42 percent increase in hospitalisations and a 62 percent increase in intensive care unit admissions, compared with November, he said. "Although 10,000 deaths a month is far less than the peak of the pandemic, this level of preventable death is not acceptable," he said.

Tedros urged governments to maintain virus surveillance and sequencing, and to ensure access to affordable and reliable tests, treatments and vaccines. "And we continue to call on individuals to be vaccinated, to test, to wear masks where needed and to ensure crowded indoor spaces are well ventilated," he said.

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On December 8, the first case of COVID was detected in Kerala. Until now more than 600 cases of the variant have come to the fore. In places like Maharashtra, the variant has become the dominant one. JN.1 variant is resposible for more than 60% of the COVID cases in the US. "COVID-19 activity is currently high. COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths have increased in recent weeks. JN.1 may be intensifying the spread of COVID-19 this winter," the US CDC said in a recent report.​

To stay safe from COVID-19, practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently, wearing masks in crowded places, and maintaining social distance. Stay informed about local guidelines and vaccination updates. Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces regularly. Monitor your health and seek medical advice if you experience symptoms. Stay home if you feel unwell or have been in contact with a confirmed case. Follow travel restrictions and stay updated on the latest developments. Encourage others to follow safety measures, fostering a collective effort to minimize the spread of the virus.

(With inputs from AFP)