In a recent statement, the WHO warned against calling the Omicron strain “mild,” claiming that it is killing people all over the world.
Recent research suggests that Omicron is less likely than earlier Covid variants to cause severe infection in healthy individuals.
However, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, stated that the record number of people who have contracted the virus has placed great strain on healthcare systems.
In just 24 hours on Monday, the United States registered more than one million Covid cases.
The agency reported that the number number of cases cases worldwide has climbed by 71 percent in the last week, and that the number of cases in the Americas has increased by 100 percent. According to the report, 90 percent of serious cases were seen in unvaccinated.
“While Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorised as mild,” Dr Tedros told a press conference on Thursday.
“Just like previous variants, Omicron is hospitalising people and it is killing people.
“In fact, the tsunami of cases is so huge and quick, that it is overwhelming health systems around the world.”
Omicron is a very contagious strain of COVID and it can infect people even if they are fully vaccinated. Vaccines, on the other hand, continue to be important since they help guard against severe diseases that could put you in the hospital.
On Thursday, the UK registered 179,756 infections and 231 Covid-related deaths. Due to staff absence and mounting pressures as a result of Covid, a number of hospitals have declared “serious” situations.
Hospitalizations are also on the rise in other parts of the country. This week, France’s health minister, Olivier Veran, warned that the month of January will be difficult for hospitals across the country.
He further stated that Omicron patients were occupying “normal” hospital beds, whilst Delta was putting a load on ICU units. The country of France recorded 261,000 cases on Thursday.
Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vucic, recently stated that the country’s healthcare system is currently under significant strain. According to local media, more than 9,000 cases were reported throughout the country on Thursday alone.
In his most recent remarks, Dr Tedros reiterated his request for more vaccine distribution to assist poorer countries in immunizing their populations.
According to him, based on the current vaccine rollout, 109 nations will fall short of the agency’s aim of 70 percent of the world’s population being fully vaccinated by July.
Last year, the head of the Globe Health Organization predicted that the world would have enough doses of the vaccine in 2022 to vaccinate the entire adult population of the world – assuming that Western countries do not reserve vaccines for use in booster programs.
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