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Coronavirus pandemic

WHO chief calls for continuing anti-COVID efforts, despite downward tendencies

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that there are big hopes that the pandemic would be taken under control

© AP Photo/David Vincent

GENEVA, February 15. /TASS/. Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called on the world community to stay vigilant and continue anti-coronavirus efforts, despite the downward tendencies observed in the COVID-19 incidence rates for the fifth week in a row.

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"So far this year, the number of weekly reported COVID19 cases has fallen by almost half, from more than 5 million cases in the week of January 4 to 2.6 million cases in the week starting February 8 - just five weeks," he told a briefing on Monday. "This shows that simple public health measures work, even in the presence of [coronavirus] variants."

"So far this year, the number of weekly reported #COVID19 cases has fallen by almost half, from more than 5 million cases in the week of January 4 to 2.6 million cases in the week starting February 8 – just five weeks"-@DrTedros https://t.co/kcccMBaEDI
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 15, 2021

He noted that there are big hopes that the pandemic would be taken under control but stressed that anti-coronavirus efforts should be continued. "What matters now is how we respond to this trend. The fire is not out, but we have reduced its size. If we stop fighting it on any front, it will come roaring back," he added.

Middle East conflict

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Hungary wants to maintain ties with Russia under its economic neutrality policy — PM

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Putin opens new transport infrastructure sites in Russian regions via video link

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Russia considers launching direct flights with Brazil, Malaysia, Pakistan — Minister

Roman Starovoyt noted that Russia is holding negotiations with many airlines from friendly countries

Ukraine’s General Staff admits tense situation along entire frontline

The Ukrainian military also admitted the Russian army’s supremacy in terms of military equipment and the size of personnel

Moldovan president plans military operation in Transnistria — Russian intel agency

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Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

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Proposal to duel with West response to claims of Oreshnik missile vulnerability — Kremlin

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Switzerland involved in preparing Ukraine ceasefire talks — Foreign Ministry

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NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Kiev to face more destruction after its UAV attack on Kazan, Putin warns

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