This page brings together information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that was first reported in Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019. Please visit this page for daily updates. WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.
Coronavirus global health emergency: Coverage from UN News
Latest COVID-19 data confirms infections have risen globally for four consecutive weeks
COVID-19 infections have continued to rise globally for more than a month now, with over four million cases reported in the past week alone, the UN health agency said on Wednesday.
Delta variant, a warning the COVID-19 virus is getting ‘fitter and faster’
Cases and deaths resulting from COVID-19 continue to climb worldwide, mostly fuelled by the highly transmissible Delta variant, which has spread to 132 countries, said the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday.
UN Catch-Up Dateline Geneva – Deal to end plastic waste, COVID vaccines in Africa, sustainable food call
In this week’s show, a global deal to help get rid of plastic waste that’s been signed by 180 countries; a call for a “COVID ceasefire” in Myanmar, how more efficient food production could help solve a global hunger crisis and positive coronavirus vaccine developments in Africa.
Countries urged to develop pandemic preparedness and response treaty
A senior official with the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the need for a global treaty on pandemic preparedness and response, urging countries to “seize the moment” and support its development.
Myanmar: Rights expert calls for ‘COVID ceasefire’, urges UN action
The UN independent expert on the human rights situation in Myanmar on Tuesday called for a “COVID ceasefire” for the country, as infections and deaths soar even as the military junta escalates attacks against healthcare workers.
COVID-19: Africa ‘third wave’ not yet over, while vaccine inequity threatens all
Although new COVID-19 cases in Africa have slowed following an eight-week surge, this “small step forward” could be short-lived, the Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
Sharp rise in Africa COVID-19 deaths, WHO reports
COVID-19 deaths in Africa have risen sharply in recent weeks, amid the fastest surge in cases the continent has seen so far in the pandemic, the regional office for the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
‘Early stages’ of COVID third wave, amid Delta surge: WHO chief
The variant’s spread, along with increased social mobility and the inconsistent use of proven public health measures, is driving an increase in both case numbers and deaths, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
COVID-19 booster strategy as Delta multiplies, highlights ‘disappointing inequality’: WHO
The COVID-19 Delta variant is travelling around the world at a “scorching pace” driving a new spike in cases and deaths, but it’s exposing a ‘hugely uneven and inequitable’ global gap in vaccine supply, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and Myocarditis: benefits outweigh the risks, says WHO committee
After receiving reports of heart inflammation cases due to myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination with COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna shots, World Health Organization (WHO) experts on Friday said that the benefits of the vaccines still outweigh the risks in reducing hospitalizations and deaths due to infection.