WHO Warns of 'Tsunami' of Cases Amid Simultaneous Omicron and Delta Surges

▲Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the sharp increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the Delta and Omicron variants.

According to the Associated Press on the 29th (local time), WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, "It is very concerning that the highly transmissible Omicron and Delta variants are spreading simultaneously, causing the number of confirmed cases to surge like a 'tsunami.'"

Director-General Tedros added, "With the twin threats of Delta and Omicron, not only the number of confirmed cases but also hospitalization rates and fatality rates are soaring," and "this is putting pressure on healthcare workers and pushing healthcare systems to the brink of collapse."

He further urged equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines once again, warning that additional booster shots in developed countries could worsen vaccine shortages in poorer nations.

Tedros emphasized, "WHO is encouraging all countries worldwide to achieve a 70% vaccination rate by mid-next year," adding, "Vaccination will help prevent the rapid spread of the virus."

On the 31st, it will be exactly two years since Chinese authorities first reported 27 cases of viral pneumonia (COVID-19) in Wuhan to the WHO.

Since then, the virus named COVID-19 has infected 281 million people worldwide, with 5 million deaths reported.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.