• June 25, 2020
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Global coronavirus cases expected to surpass 10 million next week – WHO

Over 10 million people would have been infected by COVID-19 come next week, said World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday, 24 June.

The news comes as the United Nations health agency provided support for many countries having difficulties in acquiring oxygen concentrators, a device used to boost oxygen flow and ease the breathing of COVID-19 patients. “Demand is outstripping supply,” Tedros said.

The WHO chief also expressed support over Saudi Arabia’s decision to bar foreign pilgrims from participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage in a bid to contain the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, WHO emergencies programme head Mike Ryan warned that the surge in cases remain “still intense,” particularly in Central and South America. He said that the pandemic for these countries in the Americas are yet to peak.

“I would characterise the situation as still evolving, not having reached its peak yet, and likely to result in sustained numbers of cases and deaths in the coming weeks,” Ryan said.

The WHO executive also noted that several nations in the region have seen 25-50% increases in cases last week.