Pandemic is Far from Over But Global Deaths, Cases Fall

Countries with advanced vaccination programs have a mindset that the COVID-19 threat is in the past, but the pandemic is far from over, said World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom.

There are some good developments. For the second week in a row, the number of global deaths and new cases have fallen, he said.

But the crisis in India remains a massive worry.

“WHO has been responding to the surge in cases in India and other hotspots. Demand is currently so high that WHO needs immediate funding in order to sustain its technical and operational support to all countries – especially the most affected – involved in the present wave.”

Tedros Adhanom

Pandemic in Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the countries with a widespread vaccination program. Since lockdown ended on May 10th, the number of new cases and deaths remain at low levels.

In the most recent developments, a 56-year-old man died of COVID-19 in Limassol General Hospital. There are another 150 patients, out of which 46 are in critical condition, said the health ministry.

The transmission rate remains low at 0.27 percent following 62,304 tests on May 17, said the health ministry.

An increase in tourism is expected this week and a rise in the number of new cases from passengers. Five people tested positive for COVID-19 on May 17 at the island’s airports.

Still, the prospects are considerably better, at least for the summer and provided the India variant does not infect the population like the UK variant did. If people continue to take precautions and maintain social distancing and hygiene at events, the vaccination program will help to protect society, said virologist Dr. Voniatis.