From Our Bureau
16TH AUGUST 2020
The Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic situation remained grim globally, with the confirmed cases across the world soaring to 2,12,94,845 and the death toll rising to 7,61,779 in the 216 affected countries and territories, according to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Globally, American region continued to be the worst-hit with 1,14,20,860 confirmed cases and 4,14,326 deaths. Europe came next with 37,54,649 confirmed cases and 2,14,092 deaths. South-East Asia region’s tally stood at 30,40,168 confirmed cases and 59,875 deaths.
Eastern Mediterranean region reported 17,23,673 confirmed cases and 45,704 deaths. African region registered 9,45,165 confirmed cases and 18,476 deaths. Western Pacific region recorded 4,09,589 confirmed cases and 9,293 deaths. WHO Risk Assessment at global level remained very high.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his gratitude to the Government of South Africa for welcoming the WHO experts that will be supporting the Ministry of Health and other agencies in their response to COVID-19.
South Africa is stepping up hygiene in health facilities to protect against COVID-19 with support provided through the UHC Partnership as part of WHO’s overall COVID-19 response. (eom)
