With the emergence of new Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, mostly detected in South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, and the UK, World Health Organization has become vigilant in keeping a track of the new variants because of their "additional mutations that need to be further studied to understand their impact on immune escape potential". The WHO, said that currently there was no change in the severity or transmissibility of the new sub-variants.

The WHO reported in its most recent weekly epidemiological update that the number of new Covid-19 cases and deaths continued to drop. However, as the pandemic remains a public health emergency, the agency cautioned that decreased case numbers and deaths does not always reduce the risk of infection and recommended governments to be ready to ramp up Covid-19 response quickly and continue to explore additional vaccines.

WHO also stressed on higher testing and sequencing rates as they were vital for scientists to track existing variants and to identify new ones as they emerge. The virus has remained lethal, particularly for those who are unprotected and unvaccinated and do not have access to health care or antivirals. People have been encouraged to keep wearing masks, particularly in crowded interior settings, and to maintain adequate ventilation.

To enhance community immunity and protection against future waves, WHO also recommended an equitable distribution of Covid tools and the improvement of health institutions. (Source: ETHealthworld, April 15, 2022,)