On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that a Covid variant-driven “tsunami” is threatening to overwhelm healthcare systems. This is based on the AFP data as it shows that cases have surged across the world in the past week to record high levels.
The fresh records show that the highly transmissible Omicron variant has taken oven in the US, France and Denmark. And according to AFP, 6.55 million infections have been reported globally for seven days – demonstrating the “unprecedented spread”.
These are the highest figures since the WHO declared a pandemic in March 2020.
WHO chief speaks out about record numbers
The WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, shared his concerns regarding the fast spread of the Omicron variant.
“I am highly concerned that Omicron, being more transmissible, circulating at the same time as Delta, is leading to a tsunami of cases.”
“This is and will continue to put immense pressure on exhausted health workers, and health systems on the brink of collapse,” he added.
Governments “walking a tightrope” between helping hospitals and keeping economies alive
The surge of positive cases, which is currently worst in Europe, is forcing governments to “walk a tightrope” between implementing restrictions to assist hospitals from becoming too overwhelmed and the need to keep economies and societies open.
It seems that the Omicron variant is already overwhelming hospitals in the US as it recorded its highest seven-day average of new cases ever. According to Johns Hopkins University, the new cases were at 265 427.
And according to a Harvard epidemiologist and immunologist, Michael Mina, this number was just the “tip of the iceberg” as the true number of cases is likely far higher due to a shortage of tests.
Omicron variant surging in Europe
France has extended the closure of nightclubs into January since they registered a new daily record of more than 200 000 cases. This is more than double what was recorded on Christmas Day.
French police have announced that face masks outdoors will again become compulsory in Paris from Friday. This will be applicable to age 11 and older except those inside vehicles, cyclists, users of two-wheeled transport and sport participants.
Denmark currently has the world’s highest rate of infections per person and recorded a fresh record of 23 228 new infections. According to authorities, this is part of a large number of tests carried out after Christmas.
And in Portugal, a new record of nearly 27 000 Omicron cases has been reported in 24 hours. Lebanon recorded 3 150 new infections – the highest daily amount since vaccines rolled out earlier in 2021.
In light of the latest numbers, many countries are implementing stricter regulations ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, with many even cancelling it as a whole.