Pandemic could end in 2022 if vaccination increases, WHO says
The COVID-19 pandemic could come to an end in 2022 if global vaccination increases, according to the chief of the World Health Organization.
WHO Chief Tedros Ghebreyesus said in a statement Friday that the world has all the tools and the resources to end what he called a “calamity.”
Tedros added that, "If the right choices are taken, we can turn this pandemic around.”
Among other 2021 achievements, WHO said 8.5 billion COVID-19 vaccines were administered worldwide, although leaders say inequality has “powered” the pandemic.
According to the WHO, projections show there is potential to vaccinate all adults globally and provide boosters to high-risk groups.
The New York Times reports, with more than 580,000 cases reported, the United States on Thursday shattered its own record for new daily coronavirus cases — beating a milestone it already broke just the day before.
Thursday’s count toppled the 488,000 new cases on Wednesday, which was nearly double the highest numbers from last winter.
In North Carolina, the state Department of Health and Human Services reported 18,571 new coronavirus cases on Thursday — the highest ever seen.
