WHO Predicts Spike In COVID-19 Cases Ahead Of Christmas

The World Health Organisation has predicted a spike in COVID-19 cases ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities which will witness an increase in social gatherings.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said this during a webinar attended by select African journalists on Thursday.

Moeti urged countries to be on high alert for a possible surge in COVID-19 cases even as nearly 20 countries in the region experience an uptick in cases.

She said:-

“As we near the time of year when people get on the move to spend their holidays together, there is a bigger risk of COVID-19 transmission.”

“New clusters of cases can emerge in places that have so far been unaffected as people travel or gather for festivities. But we can lower the risks by wearing masks, limiting the numbers of people who come together, observing physical distancing and practicing good hand hygiene. We can celebrate yet do so safely,” said Moeti.

According to the WHO director, after reporting a downward trend then a plateau, Africa has been experiencing a rise in cases since early October.