QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that COVID-19 is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
PHEIC is WHO’s alert level.
The announcement came as the number of weekly deaths is near its lowest point since the pandemic began.
The WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee said after its quarterly review assembly last week that despite a decrease in severe COVID-19 cases and fewer weekly deaths, COVID-19 deaths remain the highest compared to other respiratory viruses.
He also warned of headaches similar to those of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19, the full influence of which is not yet fully understood.
The outbreak may also evolve in the upcoming winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, the committee said.
Meanwhile, gaps in COVID-19 surveillance have made it difficult to identify and assess the evolution of the virus.
Since the virus will have to continue to evolve, the committee said the genetic and antigenic characteristics of the long-term variants cannot yet be reliably predicted.
Evolutionary variants are likely to pose demanding situations for existing vaccines and treatments, the committee warned.
“In light of the above considerations, the committee agreed that continued coordination of foreign reaction is necessary,” and considered that “the scenario remains dynamic and requires common reassessments, and that the termination of the PHEIC, where deemed feasible. , be implemented as safely as possible. “
The committee that there are 3 key priorities in the future: strengthening surveillance and achieving immunization goals for at-risk teams; further increase access to affordable treatment; and strengthen pandemic preparedness planning, while protecting teams at maximum risk. (PIA-NCR)