The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the COVID-19 virus still persists and urged countries to intensify their vaccination efforts.
On Monday, EuroNews quoted the technical lead for the COVID-19 response at the WHO, Dr. Maria Maria Van Kerkhove, as stating the global increase in COVID-19 cases and calling for protective measures, including vaccinations.
Van Kerkhove highlighted that 84 countries showed an increase in positive cases over the past few weeks, with 10% of all tests returning positive and Europe experiencing an even higher rate of 20%.
The WHO noted that at least 40 athletes tested positive for COVID-19 or exhibited respiratory illnesses during the Paris Olympics.
Van Kerkhove urged governments to continue investing in vaccination efforts.
She said, “Over the last two years, we have seen an alarming decline in vaccine coverage, especially among health workers and people over 60—two of the most at-risk groups.”