Washington: The COVID-19 pandemic in the Americas was spreading in new and various manners, while the pace of transmission in the area was still active, Carissa F. Etienne, Director of the Washington-based Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) stated.
In an announcement given on Wednesday, Etienne declared that more than 17 million COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the Americas, with over 574,000 deaths.
The numbers represented half of all cases worldwide and the greater part of all the deaths.
The US as of now is the most badly hit nation on the planet with the most number of cases and deaths at 7,547,929 and 211,753.
Brazil represents the world’s third most number of cases at 5,000,694, and the second most number of deaths at 148,228.
Etienne was cited as saying in the announcement: “While Brazil and the US remain significant drivers of new cases in our region, we’re concerned by spikes in cases – including in places that had effectively managed outbreaks, like Cuba and Jamaica. In fact, over the past 60 days, 11 countries and territories in the Caribbean have moved from moderate to intense transmission, which is a concerning development as countries reopen airspace,” Etienne was quoted as saying in the statement.”
As indicated by the PAHO Director, the new manners by which the infection is spreading is among more youthful individuals who have light or no symptoms and are unaware that they are infected.
In the US, youngsters, particularly those aged 20-29 years of age, represent 20 per cent of new cases.
She stated: “While numerous young people won’t become ill or need an ICU bed, they are not immune to developing the serious effects of COVID-19. So, I ask people of all ages to continue to wear masks, follow social distancing to protect themselves and avoid exposing others.”
On a positive note, Etienne has recognized that the paces of serious COVID-19 cases “have fallen across our region… due in part to our growing knowledge of this virus and how to manage critically ill patients”.
The Americas encompasses the entirety of North and South America.
source: with input from ians
