South Asia is witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases. India has reported approximately 700 new cases in the past week, bringing the total to over 1,000, while the United States continues to record more than 350 weekly deaths from the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 2,861 global deaths from COVID-19 within a 28-day period.
The CDC data indicates that coronavirus-related deaths in the US averaged 350 per week last month. Sean Clarke, a professor of nursing leadership at New York University, stated that while COVID is no longer a global pandemic, it remains deadly. The World Health Organization reports that since 2020, COVID-19 has claimed 7 million lives worldwide. WHO officially ended COVID-19’s pandemic status on May 5, 2023. However, the organization noted that 2,861 people died from COVID-19 in the last 28 days, including 2,100 deaths in America alone. Recent data shows increased hospital admissions and emergency department visits among COVID patients.
Dr. Tony Moody, a professor at Duke University Medical Center, emphasized that the ongoing deaths from COVID-19 indicate the virus continues to spread and infect people. Experts note that five years after the American government declared COVID a public health emergency, thousands continue to die from the virus.
The CDC has identified several cases of new COVID-19 variants linked to a major viral outbreak in China. New variants have also been detected at American airports. The CDC’s airport screening program has detected the new NB.1.8.1 variant among international travelers in Washington State, California, New York City area, and Virginia.
Data from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) shows most cases were detected among travelers from Japan, South Korea, France, China, and other countries. COVID-19 testing was conducted in America between April 22 and May 12.
The NB.1.8.1 variant has been reported in other American states including Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. Government officials confirmed these cases were separate from airport detections. High-risk groups in America continue to face elevated mortality risks from COVID-19. Low vaccination rates, declining immunity, and treatment shortages contribute to the virus’s spread in America.
Health officials stress there’s no cause for alarm, comparing the situation to common viral infections like cold and cough. They advise people not to panic and act wisely. Hospitals remain fully prepared and the situation is under control. The Delhi government issued directives last week for hospitals to maintain readiness, ensuring availability of beds, oxygen, medications, and vaccines.
Experts confirm that COVID is now fully controlled and has become similar to seasonal flu, progressing slowly like common influenza. However, individuals with weakened immune systems need to remain cautious.