While many governments of wealthier countries have abandoned coronavirus restrictions after the successful release of vaccines, the agency’s director-general stressed that the pandemic is “not over.” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Omicron sub-variants continue to cause new waves of cases, hospitalizations and deaths around the world. Amid rising COVID transmission and increasing hospitalizations, Dr Tedros urged governments to “implement tried and tested measures such as masking, improved ventilation and test and treat protocols”. “I am concerned that cases of COVID-19 continue to rise – putting further pressure on stretched health systems and health workers,” he said. “I am also concerned about the increasing trend of deaths.” Among the variants and sub-variants monitored by the WHO is BA.2.75 – nicknamed the centaur – which was first discovered in India in May. Scientists say the variant may be able to spread quickly and overcome immunity from vaccines and previous infection. Dr Ghebreyesus described several “interrelated challenges” now facing the global coronavirus response, including Omicron sub-variants and reduced testing and sequencing. He added: “There is a significant disconnect in the perception of the risk of COVID-19 between scientific communities, political leaders and the general public. “This is a dual challenge of communicating risk and building community trust in health tools and social public health measures such as covering, distancing and ventilation.” The specter of some restrictions being lifted in the UK was raised on Tuesday if the rise in cases affects the backlog of the NHS. Read more: New wave of Omicron mutants spreads across Europe Dr Gebreges continued: “The new waves of the virus prove once again that COVID-19 is not over. “As the virus pushes us, we must push back. We are in a much better position than at the beginning of the pandemic. “Of course, a lot of progress has been made. We have safe and effective tools that prevent infections, hospitalizations and deaths. “However, we should not take them for granted.” He urged governments to regularly review and adapt their plans to respond to COVID-19 based on changing situations.
