Corona vaccine from ModernaImage: AFP/Archive / Angela Weiss
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a further spread of the virus in connection with dozens of Olympic athletes contracting coronavirus. More than 40 athletes taking part in the current Olympic Games in Paris have tested positive for coronavirus, the WHO announced on Tuesday. “It is no surprise that athletes are infected,” because the virus is widespread, Maria Van Kerkhove, head of the WHO’s Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Department, told journalists.
The virus is still “very present” in the world and is circulating “in all countries,” she added. WHO data from 84 countries showed that the number of people testing positive has increased in recent weeks, with Europe being particularly affected.
The results of wastewater tests have also shown that the number of actual cases is higher than previously recorded. “This is important because the virus continues to develop and change,” said Van Kerkhove. This increases the risk that diseases will not be recognized and that vaccinations, for example, will not work.
Risk groups in particular, such as healthcare workers and people over 60, should get their vaccinations updated if they have not already done so in the past twelve months. “There has been a dramatic decline in vaccination coverage over the past two years. This must change quickly,” Van Kerkhove continued.
The WHO also called on governments to increase monitoring of the spread of the virus in their countries, but stressed that the current situation is different from that of 2020-2022 thanks to treatment options, tests and vaccines.
