Treatment ward for COVID-19 patients at a hospital in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
However, the number of new cases has increased sharply in many Asian countries, such as India, Nepal, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Philippines, plus Southern Europe and North Africa. XBB.1.5 remain the strain with the fastest spread rate.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Technical lead of COVID-19 response of the World Health Organization (WHO), said on Wednesday that COVID-19 still poses a threat to the world.
Booster shots for COVID-19 vaccine continue to be indicated for the elderly, seriously ill, immunocompromised, pregnant women and front-line health workers.