Cases of Covid-19 are on the rise in Americaswhere infections grew 27.2% last week, driven by infections in USAwarned on Wednesday the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Of the 918,000 new cases reported in the region the week ending May 14, more than 605,000 are in the United States.
PAHO said infections have increased in North America in the last seven weeks.
All four subregions of the continent reported increases in infections this week, with the highest rise in Central America (+80%).
In Southamerica, Brazil reported more than 120,000 new cases (+9%), while Argentina had nearly 34,000 (+92%). Venezuela, Paraguay Y Brazil also indicated an increase in deaths.
In the Caribbean, where Covid-19 cases have risen in the last five consecutive weeks, the increase in infections was 9.3%, and in deaths, 49%.
PAHO also noted that hospitalizations for Covid-19 grew in 18 American countries, and admissions to Intensive Care Units increased in 13 countries and territories in the region.
“It is time to take stock of these numbers and act. Covid-19 is once again on the rise in the Americas,” said PAHO Director, Carissa Etienneduring a virtual press conference.
“The truth is that this virus is not going to go away any time soon,” he added.
Etienne recalled that many countries have removed the requirements for wearing a mask and physical distancing in public places, but “too many” people are still at risk of developing severe Covid-19 and dying.
According to PAHO figures, only 14 of the 51 countries and territories of the Americas managed to meet the goal of World Health Organization (WHO) to vaccinate 70% of its population.
“The increase in cases should serve as a wake-up call,” Etienne said.
“Governments must continue to closely monitor COVID-19 trends, adapt their guidance to protect the most vulnerable, and always be ready to scale up social measures whenever there is an increase in cases or deaths,” he said.