(VOVWORLD) - January 1st marks 4 years since the world recorded the first death from COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, where the disease broke out. Although COVID-19 is now an endemic and no longer a global health emergency, it still poses potential threats to the global health system.
 Medical workers treat COVID-19 patients at a hospital in Tarzana, California, the US. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
The number of COVID-19 cases, mainly the JN.1 variant, has increased rapidly in early 2024, coinciding with the peak of influenza and respiratory infections in the winter-spring season in many countries.
The US CDC is calling this surge the second-biggest COVID wave in history of the US. European countries have also reported a record number of COVID-19 cases.
Many countries have re-applied COVID-19 prevention regulations, which were lifted after the World Health Organization declared an end to the global health emergency.
Many Southeast Asian countries have installed body temperature scanners at airports, called on people to wear masks and postpone travel.
The EU CDC recommends people not to leave their homes if they don’t feel well and wear masks in crowded places. People are encouraged to have COVID-19 vaccination.
The WHO called on people to continue to take precautions against COVID-19.