With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Slight uptick in new weekly Covid-19 cases, says WHO

Last week saw a rise of 2% in the number of new weekly cases worldwide. The number of weekly deaths on the other hand saw a decline of 30%. More than 2.3 million new cases were reported, as per the latest 118^th Edition of WHO’s Weekly epidemiological update on COVID-19. The Western Pacific Region recorded an increase of 18%; cases increased by 15% in the South-East Asia Region and 12% in the Region of the Americas. However, cases declined in the European Region (-21%), Eastern Mediterranean Region (-12%) and the African Region (-8%)…(Source: WHO, Nov. 16, 2022).

BN.1: The new omicron subvariant in the US

The BN.1 omicron subvariant is gradually gaining foothold in the United States and accounts for around 4.3% of new Covid-19 cases, as per the CDC. The prevalence is higher (6.2%) in the western parts of the country. The number of hospitalizations are also slowly rising…(Source: cbsnews, Nov. 14, 2022).

Masks now “optional” but “preferable”, says India’s Aviation ministry

The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has relaxed the mandatory requirement of in-flight masks during domestic and international flights considering the decreasing Covid-19 cases. Not wearing face masks during the flight will not incur any penalty. However, the government recommends that masking is preferable i.e. travelers should use them. The requirement of filling the Air Suvidha for inbound travelers is still applicable …(Source: PTI, Nov. 16, 2022).

Australia recommends against a third booster dose

In view of the rising cases in the country, health authorities in Australia have advised all eligible citizens to be updated on their booster doses. However, they have recommended against taking the third booster shot of the Covid-19 vaccine in the new vaccination recommendations. The average daily cases have increased by 47% in the last week compared to the preceding week…(Source: Medscape, Nov. 16, 2022).

Impact of indoor relative humidity on Covid-19 outcomes

A study from MIT has found that indoor relative humidity between 40% and 60% is associated with fewer Covid-19 cases as well as mortality. Relative humidity less than 40% or more than 60% are associated with adverse outcomes. This analysis of Covid-19 data along with meteorological measurements from 121 countries is published in the November 2022 issue of the Journal of the Royal Society Interface…(Source: J R Soc Interface, Nov. 16, 2022).