Globally, #COVID19 cases has increased for the 3rd consecutive week with >4.1million cases reported to @WHO (18%⬆️ compared to previous week). During the same week, 8,552 fatalities were reported.
We @WHO know both are underestimates and both cases & deaths are too high.
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Global hot spots can be seen in these figures from our latest @WHO#COVID19 Weekly Epidemiological Update available here:
We are not yet living with #COVID19 responsibly. Not even close.
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↗️People are dying unnecessarily
↗️Millions infected each week
↗️Billions not fully vaccinated
↗️Lives & livelihoods suffering
↘️Dismantling systems needed to end the global emergency & fight the next one
While some countries have managed to significantly reduce hospitalisations and deaths, many have not. Too many vulnerable people continue to be missed with vaccination, clinical care, tests, accurate & reliable information…
#VaccinEquity remains a significant problem globally
… Far too many countries have abandoned public health measures (masks indoors, distance), not invested (ventilation, PPE, HCW), continue to politicize #COVID19 undermining the effectiveness of tools that work… all of which allows the virus to continue to circulate intensely…
We @WHO recognise the tremendous desire to move on from #COVID19, the difficulties to keep fighting & the enormous toll this has taken on our lives.
However, the pandemic will end with our actions & we have the power to take the death and devastation out of COVID.
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There are alot of questions about what’s going on with #COVID19 so let’s break it down…
First, #Omicron is still spreading at a very intense level and we are starting to see an increase in cases after a few weeks of decline (this is despite big reductions in testing)
Increasing cases will occur where measures are lifted even in the context of high vaccination coverage—this shouldn’t be a surprise as vaccines are incredibly effective at reducing severe disease and death, but not infections
Note the significant regional differences in trends👇
(Unsurprisingly) I welcome further studies on the origins of #SARSCoV2
Short thread with initial thoughts on two preprints released yesterday. Bottom line: Keep following the science because many more studies are needed.
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2/ Critical to any understanding of the emergence of a new pathogen are studies of the earliest known and suspected cases. Identifying the first human case of a new disease is EXTREMELY difficult, if not impossible.
3/ There could be multiple spillover events from an animal reservoir or intermediate host(s) before the virus spread efficiently. These early cases would be extremely difficult to be identify…sequencing is critical.
Latest @WHO Weekly #COVID19 Epidemiological Update published last night (18.01.22)
Case reporting ⬆️ 20% globally in last week, w significant variation around the world.Deaths slightly increased w 45,543 people reported dead. Far far too many when tools can prevent #VaccinEquity
In last 7 days, almost 19 million cases were reported to @WHO. True number of cases is higher & this spike is causing significant burden on health systems around the world bc hospitalisations are also increasing due to #Omicron.
NB variation in % case & death change by region
With thanks to increased #COVID19 surveillance by professionals all over the world and expanded sequencing globally, sequences shared with @gisaid allow for detailed analyses of #Omicron (and all @WHO characterised VOI and VOCs) by @WHO and partners around the world.
🧵Almost 3.8 million new #COVID19 cases & 47,524 deaths were reported last week
The◼️ line is reporting deaths. This should be a much steeper decline bc of available COVID-19 vaccines. But its not bc the world is not prioritising vaccination in people at risk in ALL countries
Important: Delta is dominant worldwide and needs to be controlled. What we do for Delta will benefit Omicron - no matter what we learn about this variant.
Right now, we need to continue to drive down transmission, drive up vaccination coverage in at risk populations.
A plea: Countries that have driven down transmission need to remain vigilant & keep transmission low (& no, I don’t mean with lockdowns). We mean tailored and targeted measures in all countries based on epi and capacities.