The virus 🦠 still needs to be isolated to conduct neutralization tests, and this process will take some time.
Over the weekend, PAHO was in touch with Health Ministers in our region 🌎 to share details about this new variant and we will continue to share updates and guidance as it becomes available.
But researchers around the world are actively conducting studies 🔬 to better understand this variant so we have the best available evidence to guide our actions.
I want to address the new Omicron variant that was designated a “variant of concern” by the @WHO a few days ago
There are still many unknowns. It is not yet clear whether Omicron is more transmissible than other variants, or if it causes more severe disease
Meanwhile in the Caribbean, cases 🦠 are on the rise in the Cayman Islands and in Anguilla
This pandemic is dynamic, and the decisions we make about upholding preventive measures 😷and expanding access to vaccines will influence how far this virus 🦠 spreads.
In South America, cases in Southern Cone countries have increased steadily 📈 for the past several weeks.
In the Andean region and in Brazil, cases are plateauing.
In Central America, every country except Panama has seen a reduction 📉 in cases and deaths over the last week.
In North America, cases in Canada and the US remain steady but high, while infections 🦠 and deaths have dropped by over 20% in Mexico.
Over the last week, the Americas 🌎reported over 753,000 new COVID infections and over 13,000 COVID-related deaths.
