Corona Third Wave Early Stage: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Chief at the World Health Organisation (WHO), said that the world has entered the 'early stages' of COVID-19 third wave. He was pointing towards the recent surge in cases of the Delta-plus variant of coronavirus.
Inconsistent use of proven public health measures and increased social mobility were contributing to a surge in cases of Delta-plus cases and consequent deaths. UN News reported that increasing vaccination rates in Europe and North America led to a decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths. However, the relief was short-lived as a fresh reversal of that positive trend can be seen.
The Delta variant is ripping around the world at a scorching pace - present in over 100 countries - & driving a new spike in #COVID19 cases & deaths. We are experiencing a worsening situation that further threatens lives & livelihoods. This is no time for a lull. #VaccineEquity pic.twitter.com/0Y8M6mHK47
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) July 14, 2021
Ghebreyesus also issued a caveat saying that the virus was continuously evolving. This resulted in more transmissible variants threatening humanity.
"The Delta variant is now in more than 111 countries and we expect it to soon be the dominant COVID-19 strain circulating worldwide if it isn't already," he said.
He also believes that while some countries with access to vaccines are able to lift restrictions, others without access to vaccines have been left at the mercy of the virus. This has created a shocking disparity in the world.
He also advised citizens to make optimum use of available public health services and taking a comprehensive risk management approach to mass gatherings.
WHO COVID-19 expert Dr Kate O’Brien talked about immunising kids last month. She said that prioritising kids for vaccination is not a wise decision as their chances of getting infected by Coronavirus were less. She explained that due to the shortage of doses worldwide, immunising other age groups should be done first. These include elderly health workers and those who are more vulnerable to the disease. Read more about it here.
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