The World Health Organization chief says 90 million COVID cases have been reported since Omicron was first identified, warning that the variant shouldn't be underestimated as many countries take steps to end restrictions.
The World Health Organization chief says that 90 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported since the Omicron variant was first identified 10 weeks ago — amounting to more than in all of 2020, the first year of the pandemic.
With many countries easing their restrictions amid public fatigue about them, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyeus cautioned that Omicron should not be underestimated even though it has shown to bring less severe illness than earlier variants — and cited "a very worrying increase in deaths in most regions of the world."
"We are concerned that a narrative has taken hold in some countries that because of vaccines — and because of Omicron's high transmissibility and lower severity — preventing transmission is no longer possible and no longer necessary," he told a regular WHO briefing on the pandemic."It's premature for any country either to surrender or to declare victory. This virus is dangerous and it continues to evolve before our very eyes.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Not good enough': COVID booster rollout concerns raised as Queensland records 10 COVID deathsQueensland surpasses 200 COVID-19 deaths, with another 10 people dying from the disease in the latest reporting period.
Read more »
'Not good enough': COVID booster rollout concern as Queensland records 10 COVID deathsQueensland's Health Minister says she is 'very concerned' about the number of aged care residents who have not received a COVID-19 booster shot, after eight more aged care residents died from the disease.
Read more »
It's possible to catch Omicron twice says the World Health Organisation | 7NEWSMore than 2 million Australians have now had COVID - the majority struck down this year with Omicron. The variant has quickly become the dominant strain around the globe and according to the World Health Organisation, it's possible to catch it twice.
Read more »
'An excuse to drink frothies': Aged Care Services Minister slammed for going to the Ashes instead of COVID hearingRichard Colbeck says he has to 'live with' his decision to attend the Ashes in Hobart instead of a COVID committee hearing into the Omicron spread in aged care homes.
Read more »
Tonga to enter lockdown after first community cases of COVID-19 confirmedStill reeling after last month's volcanic eruption and tsunami, the Pacific Island nation will enter a two-day nationwide lockdown after two port workers tested positive for COVID-19.
Read more »
Tasmania records 699 new COVID cases, hospitalisations steadyDaily coronavirus cases in Tasmania rise to 699 from the 504 reported yesterday, but hospitalisations in the state remain steady.
Read more »