More than 1 million Covid-19 cases reported in eastern Mediterranean - WHO
There also have been 23,461 Covid-19 deaths recorded in the region, which spans from Morocco to Pakistan, according to WHO
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the World Health Organization announced on Sunday that there are now more than 1 million cases of Covid-19 in the eastern Mediterranean alone.
Places reporting a recent rise in cases in the area include: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Morrocco, Palestinian territories and Oman, reports the CNN.
There also have been 23,461 Covid-19 deaths recorded in the region, which spans from Morocco to Pakistan, according to WHO.
"This is a very concerning milestone. As shops, restaurants, mosques, businesses, airports and other public places begin to open up, we need to be more vigilant and cautious than ever before. One million people have been infected, tens of thousands have died, and many more are still at risk in our Region," Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO regional director for the eastern Mediterranean, said in a press release on Sunday.
"We cannot relax our efforts. In fact, many countries lifting restrictions are seeing marked increases in cases, which signifies the need to accelerate public health response measures. Communities must remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping themselves and their countries safe," Al-Mandhari said in the release.
"Sadly, we cannot behave as if the situation will go 'back to normal.' In the coming period, we need to see a shift in attitudes and actions," Al-Mandhari said. "Now is the time for a sustained commitment from both governments and individuals."