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Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s chief technical expert on COVID-19 and epidemiology, described the delta variant as another type of concern that the WHO is tracking and monitoring around the world.
Dr Maria said this was a different kind of concern as we know it has increased susceptibility to contagion, proven data from many countries.
This happened during an interview with Vismita Gupta Smith, in episode 45 of the “Science in Five” program, which is broadcast by the World Health Organization on its official accounts on social media platforms.
Distributed in 96 countries
And Dr Maria explained that WHO experts know that when the delta variant is identified, it is released quickly and spreads more effectively among people, even as the “alpha” variant, which was first discovered. times in December 2020-January 2021, adding that so far a variant has been monitored. The deltas are present in 96 countries, and the delta variant is expected to continue to spread.
4 factors behind the increase in the number of victims
Dr Maria explained that there are a number of factors that are contributing to the increase in transmission around the world, in addition to the worrying variables, including the delta variable. The second factor is an increase in diversity and social mobility in many countries of the world, which increases the number of contacts between individuals. The third factor is the relaxation or inappropriate use of public health and social measures, although public and social health measures prevent infection, reduce transmission of the virus from one infected person to others, and save Lives. The fourth factor could be the uneven and inequitable distribution of vaccines. Therefore, the world remains highly vulnerable to infection with the emerging coronavirus and its disturbing variants, including the mutated delta strain.
Risk assessment
Dr Maria said knowing the risks anyone could be exposed to helps them take precautionary measures to reduce the risk every day. There are many steps each person can take on their own to protect and keep their family and loved ones safe from this virus and its mutated strains, including the delta variant.
Actions required
Dr Maria stressed the need to ensure that hands are clean and to wear protective masks, taking into account that they cover the nose and mouth, and that the hands are clean when wearing and removing. removal of protective masks. She added that avoiding crowded places, maintaining a physical distance between the person and others, while ensuring the availability of good ventilation in closed places, opening one or two windows so that there is a good air circulation.
Serious illness and death
Dr Maria explained that taking all of these measures will reduce the possibility of exposure to the virus and reduce the possibility of infection. She also noted that getting the vaccine when it’s someone’s turn or opportunity is essential, saying, “We know vaccines are incredibly effective in preventing serious illness and death. So when the opportunity arises, take it and come back for the vaccine. The second is on schedule for two-dose vaccines to ensure complete prevention of serious illness or death.
Dynamic protection tactics
In response to a question from Vismita Gupta-Smith about whether preventive tactics are changed according to situations and locations, for example, if a person is in a country or city with a high rate of vaccination, or has a high rate of infection, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said many people around the world have not been vaccinated or have not yet received a full cycle of vaccination. Thus, the potential for infection remains and the potential for severe illness and death persists. This is why the World Health Organization continues to recommend a comprehensive approach using all precautionary measures and public health and prevention measures to prevent infection in the first place, and not pass it on to others. if a person contracts COVID-19.
Dr Maria said the dynamic situation right now is to continue to adhere to and strengthen compliance with all available precautionary measures, taking into account the following local guidelines issued in each person’s area of residence and make sure he checks everything he does on a daily basis to reduce the risk of infection.
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