Carissa F. Etienne, director of Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned that the cases of covid-19 increased considerably throughout the region, registering 27.2% more infections in the last week.
In that sense, he asked countries to act to increase surveillance, public health measures and vaccination. He stressed that nations must ensure their health systems are prepared to deal with a possible influx of patients.
PAHO warnings and recommendations in the face of an increase in covid-19
“Last week, our region reported more than 918,000 cases. Covid-19 hospitalizations increased in 18 countries, and admissions to intensive care units increased in 13 countries and territories,” Etienne noted.
And he indicated that after a period of lower transmission, many countries have abandoned public health measures such as the use of masks and social distancing.
However, he emphasized that only 14 of the 51 countries and territories of the Americas have so far reached the goal of vaccinating 70% of their population. Which means “too many people remain unprotected.”
And he mentioned that in some countries vaccination coverage is especially low among people at risk of serious illness. This is the case of older adults, pregnant women and people with pre-existing diseases.
“Each country is only as protected as the most vulnerable of its population. It is time to take note of these figures and act. Covid-19 is on the rise again in the Americas,” Etienne warned.
He explained that coronavirus testing rates have been steadily declining since January. Therefore, he recommended strengthening the testing infrastructure and that the results be communicated to the health authorities.
“Countries must also continue to invest in strengthening the capacity of intensive care units (ICUs) and hospitals. So that services can be scaled up quickly in the event of having to deal with a possible surge in new infections,” he said.
Reset measurements where peaks occur
The PAHO director also urged countries to be prepared to restore public health measures in areas where there are peaks in cases, and to guarantee the protection of the most vulnerable groups, especially now that the supply of vaccines is not an obstacle. “We have enough doses to cover the people most at risk, and we have an obligation to do so,” she stressed.
Regions
Dr. Etienne specified that in the last week more than half of the new infections were reported in North America. Cases there have been rising for seven weeks, fueled by an increase in the United States.
In Central America, cases increased 80% and have also skyrocketed in South American countries.
In the Caribbean, new infections have increased for five consecutive weeks, with an increase of 9.3% in cases and 49% in deaths.