WHO "Nearly 2 Million New COVID-19 Cases Last Week" ... Highest Weekly Total

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 2 million new cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported worldwide last week. This marks the highest weekly figure to date.

On the 22nd (local time), WHO reported that from the 14th to the 20th, 1,998,897 new COVID-19 cases were recorded, representing a 6% increase compared to the previous week.

This is the highest number of new weekly cases since the first COVID-19 case was identified in China at the end of last year.

During this period, most continents saw an increase in cases compared to the previous week. In particular, Europe (11%) and the Americas (10%) experienced sharp rises.

However, Africa saw a 12% decrease compared to the previous week.

The number of new deaths was 36,764, a 10% decrease from the previous week.

By region, new deaths decreased in the Americas (-22%) and Africa (-16%), while Europe saw a 27% increase.

Meanwhile, as of the 20th, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases reported to WHO worldwide stood at 30,675,675, with cumulative deaths totaling 954,417.