COVID-19 cases increased by 23% in the Americas; Brazil is among the exceptions, says Opas-Ibuca Negosios

The organization said that cases of Covid-19 increased by 23 percent in the Americas last week, especially in the northern part of the continent, and almost all South American countries except Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela reported an increase in cases. Opas) this Wednesday.

The Pan American Health Organization has also warned that North America could face a setback as Europe, where the United States and Canada have reported high rates of new cases.

In contrast, there was a 37% decrease in new infections in Central America.

“Although cases have fallen dramatically in recent months, Covid transmission is still active in our region, so every time we let our guard down, the virus is gaining momentum,” said Carissa Etienne, Director-General of the Pan American Health Organization.

And she warned that the experience in Europe, where many countries have reported record numbers of new cases in recent weeks, could be a reflection of the future in the Americas.

Although 51% of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, there are 19 countries where vaccination coverage is less than 40% of their population.

The PAHO said case discharges are mainly occurring in densely populated areas where virus prevention measures have been suspended or relaxed.

With the holiday season and summer holidays approaching in the southern hemisphere, Etienne encouraged people to continue to wear masks and maintain social distance.

“Our region saw a huge jump in new cases after last year’s holiday season and it took months for countries to reduce new cases,” she said.

(Bur Anthony Poodle)