WHO Warns of Ongoing COVID-19 Threat During Summer Holidays Following US President Joe Biden’s Positive Test
Following US President Joe Biden testing positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Presidential elections, the World Health Organization has emphasized that the pandemic is far from over. The WHO cautioned the public not to underestimate the ongoing threat of COVID-19, which continues to claim 1,700 lives weekly worldwide.
Ahead of summer holidays, the WHO advised anyone planning travel to take essential COVID-19 precautions, including vaccination, mask-wearing, and testing.
According to a WHO statement on July 15, 2024, during the four-week period from May 27 to June 23, 2024, the SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate increased from 5.6% to 7.1% across 84 countries. Notably, there was a rise in the prevalence of KP.3 and LB.1 lineages globally, descendants of JN.1 and variants under monitoring.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over declining vaccination rates among healthcare workers and individuals aged over 60, who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
“In light of these trends, WHO recommends that high-risk groups receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster within 12 months of their last dose,” Tedros emphasized.
In response to increasing COVID-19 cases, some UK hospitals reinstated mask mandates, and the Tour de France mandated mask-wearing during interactions among participants.
The WHO has reported approximately seven million COVID-19 deaths globally, with indications that the actual toll may be higher. The pandemic has strained healthcare systems and economies worldwide since its discovery in late 2019 in Wuhan, China.
Despite his diagnosis, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reassured the public that President Biden, who has received booster shots, continues to fulfill his presidential duties. Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, confirmed that the president’s symptoms remain moderate.