The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Wednesday, emphasizing that the coronavirus disease continues to pose a major threat, even as it has partially passed under the radar.
The United Nations agency reported nearly 10,000 COVID-19 deaths in December, attributing the increased transmission to gatherings over the Christmas holiday period and the prevalence of the JN.1 variant, now the most commonly reported globally.
“Although COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, the virus is still circulating, changing, and killing,” asserted WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus.
Besides the reported deaths, there was a 42% increase in hospitalizations and a 62% rise in intensive care unit admissions compared to November, according to AFP. However, Tedros noted that these figures are based on data from less than 50 countries, primarily in Europe and the Americas.
“It is certain that there are also increases in other countries that are not being reported,” Tedros added. He urged governments to maintain virus surveillance and sequencing while ensuring access to affordable and reliable tests, treatments, and vaccines.
Despite a lower death toll compared to the pandemic’s peak, Tedros stressed that 10,000 deaths a month is unacceptable and called for continued individual efforts, including vaccinations, testing, mask-wearing, and ensuring well-ventilated indoor spaces.
