new variant of concern Omicron, the World Health Organization (WHO) has appealed to countries in South-East Asia Region to scale up surveillance, strengthen public health and social measures, and enhance vaccination coverage. “Though Covid-19 cases have been declining in most countries of our Region, the surge in cases elsewhere in the world and confirmation of a new Variant of Concern, is a reminder of the persisting risk and the need for us to continue to do our best to protect against the virus and prevent its spread.
At no cost should we let our guards down," said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region. Countries must enhance surveillance and sequencing.