The U.N. health agency stated that COVID-19 infection due to Omicron surge has “tanked” from a peak at more than 308,000 weekly case to less than 20,000 last Thursday. The last week saw a decline in cases and deaths by 29%, 37% and 37%, respectively; deaths dropped to 239 from the week before.
“This low level infection has not been observed since April 2020 during the early stages pandemics in Africa,” WHO stated. It also noted that there is no increase in COVID-19-related cases in any country in the region.
However, the WHO warns that there is a risk of a new wave of infections in Southern Hemisphere countries as winter approaches. Coronavirus is more prevalent in colder temperatures, where people are more likely gather indoors in greater numbers.
“With the virus still in circulation, there is a risk of new, potentially more fatal variants emerging. The pandemic control measures are crucial to an effective response to a surge infection,” stated Dr. Matshidiso Moeti (WHO’s Africa director).
“With the virus still in circulation, there is a risk of new, potentially more fatal variants emerging. The pandemic control measures are crucial to an effective response to a surge infection,” stated Dr. Matshidiso Moeti (WHO’s Africa director).
Despite repeated warnings by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus, WHO director general, that the coronavirus could devastate Africa and cause widespread destruction, the pandemic has not affected the continent.
WHO released an analysis last week that estimated that as many as 65% of Africans have been infected by the coronavirus. It also stated that unlike other regions, most Africans infected didn’t experience any symptoms.
Scientists from WHO and other organizations have suggested that Africa’s youthful population, lower rates of diabetes and heart disease, and warmer temperatures may have prevented a larger wave of disease. Some countries have experienced significant increases in unaccounted-for deaths. This suggests that authorities are missing many COVID-19 cases.