new COVID cases worldwide has increased by 52 percent.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there has been a 52% increase in new cases of COVID-19 worldwide during the last 28 days. In a statement issued by the global health agency, it was revealed that between November 20 and December 17, over 850,000 cases were reported globally, representing a 52% surge compared to the preceding 28 days.

The WHO further informed that although there has been an increase in the number of new cases during this period, the death toll witnessed a decrease of 8%, totaling 3,000 fatalities.

During the period from November 13 to December 10, more than 118,000 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals, with 1,600 admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The overall rates of hospitalization and ICU admissions for COVID-19 patients increased by 23% and 51%, respectively.

On December 18, the WHO classified the Omicron variant, designated as B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Interest (VOI) as it rapidly spread across the globe in recent weeks. Current evidence suggests that this new variant is highly transmissible, but not necessarily more dangerous than other variants.

At present, vaccines available are providing substantial protection against severe illness or death from both the Delta and Omicron variants. The WHO advises people to take various precautionary measures to protect themselves from COVID and other respiratory diseases. These measures include using face masks in crowded places, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, frequent handwashing, getting flu and COVID vaccines, opting for home isolation when sick, and undergoing testing if in close contact with someone showing symptoms of COVID or flu.