The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that more than 40 athletes at the Olympics have tested positive for COVID-19, underscoring a global rise in cases.
On Tuesday, the WHO emphasized that the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic remains active and countries must enhance their response mechanisms.
Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, stated that data from 84 countries indicates an increase in the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, over the past several weeks.
“In recent months, many countries have seen surges in COVID-19 cases regardless of the season, including at the Olympics, where over 40 athletes have tested positive,” Van Kerkhove noted.
Additionally, wastewater surveillance, which can predict case numbers two to three weeks in advance, suggests that the actual circulation of SARS-CoV-2 is “two to 20 times higher than currently reported,” she mentioned during a media briefing.
“This is significant because the virus continues to evolve and change, posing the risk of a potentially more severe strain that could evade detection and medical interventions, including vaccinations,” Van Kerkhove explained.
She also highlighted that the high circulation of the virus is unusual for respiratory viruses, which typically see increased activity during colder months.
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