THE World Health Organization (WHO) announced today that the circulation of the virus that causes the Covid-19 is increasing in all countrieswhile observed “alarming decline” in vaccination coverage.

“The virus is circulating in all countries”, said WHO director for prevention and preparedness for epidemics and pandemics Maria Van Kerkove during a press briefing at the UN building in Geneva.

“Data from our surveillance system in 84 countries shows that the rate of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 has been increasing for several weeks.”

Overall the rate of positive tests is over 10%, however it varies by region, said Kerkouve, adding that in Europe the rate of positive tests is over 20%.

Effluent monitoring shows that viral circulation is 2 to 20 times higher from what is currently reported, he stated and warned: “This is important because the virus continues to evolve and change, which puts us all at risk of a potentially more powerful virus that may elude our detection and/or or our medical interventions, including vaccination’.

“Such high circulation is not ‘typical’ for buoyant viruses, which tend to increase their circulation during colder months.”he said pointing out that in recent months, regardless of the season, many countries have recorded an increase in Covid-19 cases.

She added that even in the Olympic Games, which are being held this season, at least 40 athletes have so far tested positive.

These increases, which have resulted in many countries in increasing hospitalizations and deaths, need to be prevented, he said.

Kerkowve recommended that all countries consider giving seasonal flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time, due to the decline in vaccination coverage against SARS-CoV-2.

“Over the past two years we have seen an alarming decline in vaccination coverage, particularly among the health-conscious and people over 60, two of the groups most at risk,” he stated. “This urgently needs to be reversed.”