Update About Global Transmission of COVID-19

The World Health Organisation (WHO) holds records of confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world. The organisation reports that globally, as of 27th May 2022, there have been 525,467,084 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,285,171 deaths reported to WHO. This equates to a death rate of 11.96 per cent. As of 23rd May 2022, a total of 11,811,627,599 vaccine doses have been administered.

The country with the highest number of COVID-19 cases is the United States of America, with 83,853,070 confirmed cases. This is followed by India, with 43,147,530 confirmed cases, Brazil with 30,846,602 confirmed cases, and France with 28,561,540 confirmed cases.

In Australia, from 3rd January 2020 to 27th May 2022, there were 7,112,650 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 8,335 deaths reported to WHO. This equates to a death rate of 0.18 per cent. As of 13 May 2022, a total of 58,417,708 vaccine doses have been administered.

Sadly, it appears that Australia is currently experiencing a COVID-19 wave, with cases climbing from 139,197 on the 21st February 2022 to 254,771 on the 23rd May 2022.

WHO advise that most people infected with the COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. WHO advise that to protect yourself and others from infection, stay at least 1 metre apart from others, wear a properly fitted mask, and frequently wash your hands or use an alcohol-based rub. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.

For information about COVID-19 in NSW, please check with NSW Health.

• Topics:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Covid-19