Zurich / Geneva, June 12 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday that the US is currently suffering from the global coronavirus pandemic, with North and South America currently four of the 10 worst countries. In this world.
WHO's top emergency specialist, Mike Ryan, highlighted the problems in Brazil and Mexico, saying the disease was "very active" in Central and South America. The current situation in Brazil, one of the world's hot spots of the virus, is growing, especially in overcrowded cities, he told a news conference.
Although some intensive care units are under heavy pressure at a critical stage and a bed occupancy rate of over 90%, Ryan said the country's health system is "still coping."
Meanwhile, about 130,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 15,000 deaths have been reported in Mexico, the WHO said.
Brazil is the second most affected country in the world, with 800,000 cases and 41,000 deaths, according to Reuters.
Two countries lag far behind the United States, with more than 2 million cases and nearly 114,000 deaths.
“We are very much in the throes of this epidemic, especially in the Global South,” Ryan said. "Some countries are struggling to get out of the so-called lockdown because they are seeing an increase in cases."
When societies reopen and people begin to reunite, the disease can spread again, especially when there is insufficient testing and social disturbances are insufficient.
However, he agreed to return to normal for countries to mitigate the economic risk so that the crisis had to be resolved.
"There is a careful balance between keeping people at home ... and this has an unpleasant effect on the economy and society. It's an easy balance. There are no right answers," Ryan said.
Although some countries show the worst effects of the virus, groups of the disease are still forming, Ryan said.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adnome Giberaceus said there was a need for worldwide vigilance against "very dangerous viruses", even in areas where it appeared.
"Although our fear in Europe is diminishing, it is growing in other parts of the world. Europe is also not safe because the virus can be brought back to Europe," he said.
Tedros is also concerned about the need for objectively shared vaccines between countries, amid concerns that drugs may accumulate in order for some to develop.
Torres said vaccines should be made available to the world public so that everyone can use life-saving products properly. (Reporting by John Reville and Stephanie Nebehi; Editing by Toby Chopra)
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