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.
🚨LIVE 🔊PAHO Press Briefing on #COVID19🦠in the Americas 🌎 December 1, 2021😷 twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…
🚨 We will be LIVE in 1 hour! ⏳
➡️ Join us for our media briefing on the situation of #COVID19 in the Region of the Americas 🌎
📺 Tune in to listen to the latest updates on our response to this pandemic https://t.co/Zec8zjO2TT
