With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Global new Covid-19 cases continue to show a rise

The number of weekly Covid-19 cases has increased again for the third successive week following a declining trend from the last peak in March, as per the latest WHO Weekly epidemiological update on COVID-19. More than 4.1 million new cases were reported from 20^th to 26^th June, 2022 showing a rise of 18% vis-à-vis the preceding week. With more than 8500 deaths reported, the number of deaths continue to be the same… (Source: WHO, June 29, 2022)

Nearly 33% increase in Covid deaths in South America, says PAHO

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has said that North and South America have documented a rise of nearly 14% in infections in the previous week, with 1.3 million new cases showing a 24.6% increase versus the earlier week. There were 4158 new deaths. South America reported nearly a 33% rise in deaths. Bolivia had highest number of new cases followed by Peru. Cases in North American saw a rise of 7.7%. Severe and persistent fatigue was the most common symptom; the other symptoms were loss of taste and smell and dyspnea... (Source: Medscape, June 30, 2022)

FDA recommends updation of Covid-19 vaccine booster dose

The US FDA has recommended formulation of a new bivalent booster vaccine by incorporating the omicron BA.4/5 spike protein component in the current Covid-19 vaccines to provide cover against the new circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. The modified vaccines may be potentially introduced by October this year. However, the FDA has not recommended any alteration in the vaccine for the primary vaccination…(Source: US FDA, June 30, 2022)

South Korea approves its home-grown Covid-19 vaccine

South Korea has developed a Covid-19 vaccine, which has been approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for use in adults aged ≥18 years. The SKYCovione vaccine manufactured by SK bioscience Co Ltd, is a two-dose vaccine to be administered in a gap of 4 weeks. The vaccine generated neutralizing antibodies against the ancestral strain in phase III clinical trials. But its effectiveness against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants is still unknown…(Source: Reuters, June 29, 2022).

Frances advises its citizens to mask up again

France is facing a new wave of Covid-19 driven by the new Omicron variants. Although mask wearing has not been made mandatory, the Health Ministry has urged citizens to wear masks in public areas, especially in public transport and also in closed spaces such as shops. There has been a steady rise in cases since May end and on Wednesday, there were 17, 601 new infections, which is the highest number recorded since mid-April…(Source: Reuters, June 28, 2022)