A sign advising shoppers to wear masks outside a store in Los Angeles.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says there has been a 21% increase in the number of coronavirus deaths globally in the past week.
Most of the 69,000 deaths were reported in the Americas and Southeast Asia. The UN health agency also noted that worldwide COVID-19 cases have increased by 8 percent and there are now nearly 194 million infections.
The WHO said that “if these trends continue, the cumulative number of reported cases globally could exceed 200 million over the next two weeks.”
It added that the number of COVID-19 deaths has increased in all regions except Europe.
The highest number of cases were reported in America, Brazil, Indonesia, Britain and India.
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Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry on Wednesday said there is no place for complacency in its approach to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic as the absolute number of positive cases is still high.
Extending the existing pandemic guidelines till August 31, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that the five-fold strategy of ‘test, track, treat, vaccinate and follow COVID-appropriate behavior’ for effective management of COVID is under constant focus. should give. 19.
He also said that in view of the upcoming festivals, there is a need to ensure adherence to COVID-appropriate behavior (CAB) at all crowded places.
Bhalla, in his message to all states and union territories, said that with the decline in the number of active cases, states and union territories are gradually reopening economic and other activities.
“While the decline in the number of cases is a matter of satisfaction, it may be noted that the absolute number of cases is still quite high,” he said.
Therefore, the Home Secretary said, there is no room for complacency and the process of easing restrictions should be carefully calibrated, as reiterated in his earlier communication.
Bhalla said the reproduction number of the virus, commonly known as the ‘R’ factor, is hovering just below 1, but is higher in some states.
The Home Secretary, citing his letter dated July 14, said that every effort should be made to ensure that there is no increase in the ‘R’ factor.
“Further, strictest possible measures should be taken in those districts which are still showing high positivity rate.
“In view of the upcoming festivals, there is a need to ensure COVID Appropriate Practices (CAB) at all crowded places,” he said.
Bhalla urged the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to issue strict instructions to the district and all other local authorities to take necessary measures for COVID-19 management.
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