During the week 20-26 December, following a gradual increase since October, the global number of new COVID-19 cases increased by 11% as compared to the previous week; while the number of new deaths remained similar to the numbers reported during the previous week. This corresponds to just under 5 million new cases and over 44 000 new deaths. As of 26 December, over 278 million cases and just under 5.4 million deaths have been reported globally.
The highest numbers of new cases were reported from the United States of America (1 185 653 new cases; 34% increase), the United Kingdom (611 864 new cases; 20% increase), France (504 642 new cases; 41% increase); Italy (257 579 new cases; 62% increase) and Germany (197 845 new cases; 30% decrease).
In spite of the best medical facilities, in the Last 7 days, Europe got 28,42,375 new cases, with 23,900 deaths. Similarly, in the last 7 days, America got 14,76,724 new cases, with 12,782 deaths.
Just think of our own country, India, where we don't have sufficient medical facilities. A day before, our PM announced that we have arranged almost 5 Lakh Oxygen beds & 1.40 Lakh ICU beds, which look nowhere, in case we get the Community spread of #Omicron variant of #coronavirus which is much more infectious comparing the earlier variant during the 2nd wave.
Similarly, the National Capital with over 2 Crore official Population ( though much higher in reality), has only 1,382 Ventilators & in case, even 1% of the infections require it, we may end our journey at some mortuary, as its being said that Delhi may get up to 1 lakh cases a day, during its peak.
Therefore, we have no other option, but to wear a Mask, keep maintaining Social Distancing, Get Vaccinated, if not yet, and leave the rest to the God Almighty.
B S Vohra with inputs from WHO.
He is the Founder President of East Delhi RWAs Joint Front - Federation & Convenor of RWA Bhagidari. Tags: #Omicron #OmicronVariant #Corona #Coronavirus #COVID19
