Omicron variant
As more and more countries register record numbers of infections the World Health Organisation, WHO, warns that both Omicron and Delta variants are "twin threats".
The warning takes place as much of Europe, the US, Australia and many other countries grapple with increasing caseloads of Covid-19 cases.
"Right now, Delta and Omicron are twin threats that are driving up cases to record numbers which again, is leading to spikes in hospitalisations and deaths. While there were 1.8 million recorded deaths in 2020, there were 3.5 million in 2021 and we know the actual number is much higher", said Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
In Europe, France has the highest new infection rate, with 208,000 new cases reported on Wednesday.
The WHO has warned that the Omicron variant still posed a "very high" risk.
01:05
Guinea-Bissau cancels controversial US-Funded hepatitis B vaccine trial
01:52
WHO approves clinical trials on two new Ebola vaccines
01:09
Ebola fatality rate in DR Congo tops 50% as death toll reaches 5,372
02:15
CAR tightens border checks as DR Congo's Ebola cases rise
01:12
DRC Ebola clinic celebrates departure of last confirmed cases
01:11
Ebola: Uganda introduces 21-day quarantine for people entering from DRC