WHO Reports Global Surge in COVID-19 Cases

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging heightened vigilance against Covid-19, reporting a rise in positive cases across at least 84 countries, particularly in Europe where positivity rates have surpassed 20%. The agency warns of the potential emergence of more severe variants as the pandemic continues to circulate globally, with recent data indicating that actual infection rates may be significantly higher than reported. This summer surge has notably affected athletes at the Paris Olympics, with at least 40 cases reported, raising concerns about effective containment measures. Public health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, particularly as the CDC highlights the safety of receiving Covid-19 and flu vaccines simultaneously. Vaccination rates have declined, causing fears that inadequate coverage could lead to more dangerous variants as fall approaches. Experts recommend that parents vaccinate children before returning to school to mitigate transmission risks.