As the cases in coronavirus rise with no end in sight, WHO officials are wary of the numbers that have now exceeded 36 million confirmed cases, according to the Johns Hopkins University’s live tracking.
This number, though disproportionate, might not be entirely accurate as WHO officials believe there are many more unreported cases. Dr. Mike Ryan, director of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, explained on Monday during a WHO Executive board meeting:
“Our current best estimates tell us that about 10% of the global population may have been infected by this virus,”
With a global population pushing 7.7 billion, this means 770 million are believed to be actually infected, a number far more alarming that the 36 million reported and confirmed.
As the United States leads these numbers, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites that cases in the US cases had likely been undercounted by at least 90% over the summer.
This gives us a disproportionate calculation of country-wise percentages where Africa and the Western Pacific are somewhat under control, and cases in Europe are still on the rise. Some countries are going through what the experts call ‘a second wave’.
The nonstop spread of the disease means restrictions and precautionary measures are still globally intact, however many countries are facing backlash against mask-wearing and social distancing. This does not make it any easier to contain the virus at the rate at which it is spreading.
“We are now heading into a difficult period. The disease continues to spread,” Dr. Ryan said.