Colombo (LNW): The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a 52 per cent increase in new COVID-19 cases over the past four weeks, with over 850,000 new cases recorded during this period.
Despite this surge, new deaths decreased by 8 per cent, with over 3,000 fatalities reported.
Globally, since the onset of COVID-19, there have been over 772 million confirmed cases and nearly seven million deaths as of December 17.
The WHO highlighted over 118,000 new COVID-19 hospitalisations and more than 1,600 new intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, marking a 23 per cent and 51 per cent increase, respectively, on a global scale.
As of December 18, 2023, the JN.1 sub-lineage of the BA.2.86 Omicron variant has been designated a separate variant of interest (VOI) due to its rapid increase in prevalence.
Despite its low global public health risk, the WHO suggests that JN.1 could contribute to the burden of respiratory infections, particularly with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
The WHO continues to monitor the evidence and risk associated with JN.1 and emphasises that current vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death from this variant.
Additionally, the WHO notes the circulation of other respiratory diseases such as influenza, RSV, and common childhood pneumonia.
The organisation advises individuals to adopt preventive measures, including wearing masks, maintaining a safe distance, practicing respiratory etiquette, regular hand hygiene, and getting tested for COVID-19 or influenza if symptomatic or exposed.
