The number of cases increased by 32% from the previous week, while 18,000 new deaths occurred across the region, a relative increase of 37% during the period.
“As COVID cases are spreading more actively – and more rapidly – than ever before, it is clear that Omicron has become the predominant SARS COV2 strain in our region at this time.” speak Dr. Carissa Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
The United States ranks first in the number of new infections
The United States continues to have the highest number of new infections, even though the number of cases fell by nearly a million last week. On the other hand, many states in southern Mexico have tripled the number of new infections.
In Central America, the number of weekly deaths increased by 107%, Belize reported the highest rate of new infections, while cases are increasing rapidly in Honduras and Costa Rica.
In South America, COVID-19 Cases are doubling almost every two days in Paraguay and parts of the Guianas.
Infections are particularly high in Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. Nearly 800,000 cases are reported in Argentina, while neighboring Brazil has 477,000 cases, up 193% from the previous week.
Localized data matters
The Caribbean nations Haiti and Martinique continue to report significant increases. Their vaccination average is one of the lowest in the region.
Dr. Etienne highlights the important need for nations continue to collect data, and especially localized data, to better understand the evolution of the virus.
“More than ever, we need data on how this virus affects different ages, genders, groups and geographies, so we can equip local counties and cities tools needed to manage risks and guide their populations during this time,” she speaks.
Vaccines for children
Addressing childhood immunization, Dr Etienne stressed that governments should first ensure that the groups most at risk of COVID-19, such as the elderly and healthcare workers, remain prioritize.
However, she reported that 12 countries and territories in the region have WHO target 70% vaccination coverage rate. These countries should weigh the benefits of vaccinating their children to reduce the spread of the virus.
“Many countries have approved and are safely using the COVID vaccine in minors,” said Dr. Etienne.
And last week, the WHO expert group on immunization authorized Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for children aged 5 to 12 years, laying out a roadmap for countries that could be ready to roll out a COVID vaccine for children. “.
Measles, other diseases, surface
However, COVID-19 isn’t the only health threat facing teenagers in the region.
Dr Etienne said millions of people have missed out on routine immunizations due to the pandemic, which is putting two decades of immunization progress at risk.
The result is, Several countries are seeing outbreaks of diseases that have been under control for many years. Brazil is currently battling a measles outbreak, while Haiti and the Dominican Republic face ongoing transmission of diphtheria.
Safety at school
As the region continues to face its worst educational crisis, with millions still yet to return to school, Dr. Etienne underscores the importance of ensuring their safe return.
Students in countries in the Southern Hemisphere are now back in class just as students in the north enter flu season.
“By promoting mask wearing and social distancing and ensuring adequate ventilation, countries can safely reopen schools. High childhood immunization rates are not a prerequisite for schools to reopen,” she said.
