“The pandemic is not over”, reiterates the WHO Director-General 

“The pandemic is always evolving, and so must the response, in every country”, said Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus at a media briefing on Wednesday. In his remarks, the WHO Director General said that though the numbers are declining, it is dangerous to presume that they will continue to do so. The WHO will publish six policy briefs defining “essential actions” in the coming week as a guide for countries to tackle the multiple challenges including the Covid-19 infodemic and the conflicting priorities…(Source: WHO, Sept. 7, 2022).

Philippines changes its policy regarding mask wearing

Philippines will no longer require people to wear masks outdoors after an executive order issued by the President, according to authorities. However, the elderly and those with underlying disease conditions should continue to wear a mask even when outdoors. People are still advised to maintain social distance and regularly hand hygiene…(Source: abcnews, Sept. 8, 2022).

Study reaffirms beneficial effects of Covid-19 vaccine in preventing severe disease

A study in JAMA Internal Medicine reports that unvaccinated persons infected with the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant are 10 times more likely to be hospitalised than the vaccinated. Among the vaccinated individuals, the unboosted were also 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalized. However, the study, conducted from January 2022 to April 2022  notes that hospitalization rates are climbing even among the vaccinated, particularly older persons and those with comorbid conditions…(Source: JAMA Internal Medicine, Sept. 8, 2022).

Solid organ transplant recipients at greater risk of severe Covid-19

Patients who have undergone solid organ transplant are at greater risk of severe Covid-19 regardless of vaccination. The mortality rate was also high and ranged from 4% for heart transplants, 11% for liver transplants, ~15% for kidney transplants to 31% for lung transplants. The study examined solid organ transplant recipients with Covid-19 from March 2020 to November 2021…(Source: CMAJ, Aug. 29, 2022).

With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev