The World Well being Group (WHO) agreed Wednesday that the COVID-19 pandemic nonetheless constitutes “a unprecedented occasion” following the 10th assembly of its Emergency Committee.
In a press release, the worldwide well being group stated the virus “continues to adversely have an effect on the well being of populations all over the world, poses a threat of worldwide unfold and interference with worldwide site visitors, and requires a coordinated worldwide response.”
Itemizing non permanent suggestions to nations, the WHO suggested to proceed utilizing “evidence-informed public well being and social measures, therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines” to stem the unfold of the coronavirus.
Whereas advising to “take a risk-based method to mass gathering occasions by evaluating, mitigating and speaking dangers,” the WHO as soon as once more known as on states to “to have a minimum of 70% of all international locations’ populations vaccinated by the beginning of July 2022.”
Noting the enhancing of COVID-19 surveillance as one of many vital actions to take, the assertion stated international locations “ought to strengthen programs to gather and publicly share indicators to observe the burden of COVID-19, reminiscent of hospitalization charges, extreme illness and extra mortality. “
It additional urged international locations to make sure that there may be “enough surge capability for vital SARS-CoV-2 medical care and submit COVID-19 situation.”
“States events ought to improve entry to well being for all by strengthening well being and social programs to deal with the impacts of the pandemic, particularly on kids,” the assertion added.
With the surge in reviews of omicron variant instances, many international locations initially utilized bans to a number of African states.
In that context, the WHO known as on states to “elevate or ease worldwide site visitors bans.”
“The failure of journey restrictions launched after the detection and reporting of the omicron variant to restrict the worldwide unfold of omicron demonstrates the ineffectiveness of such measures over time,” it famous.
On vaccination in opposition to COVID-19, the WHO urged states to “acknowledge all vaccines which have obtained WHO Emergency Use Itemizing and all heterologous vaccine combos” as per Strategic Advisory Group of Specialists on Immunization (SAGE) suggestions.
It additionally suggested to “conduct epidemiological investigations of SARS-CoV-2 transmission on the human-animal interface and focused surveillance on potential animal hosts and reservoirs.”