Epidemiological Alert - Increase of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations

In recent weeks, there has been an increase in new outpatient COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in 12 countries/territories in the Region of the Americas, which, along with the increase in hospitalizations due to influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses, could impact the demand for health services. PAHO/WHO urges Member States to update the prevention, preparedness and response plans of the healthcare system across all levels in order to respond to a possible increase in outpatient cases, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and/or deaths, as well as to establish strategies for increasing the proportion of the vaccinated, mainly among vulnerable and high-risk populations.