The World Health Organization has called on all governments to act to curb the increase in the incidence of coronavirus. A well-known set of measures is recommended: mask mode, isolation, frequent handwashing, avoiding crowded places and poorly ventilated rooms.

Coronavirus cases, as well as hospitalizations and deaths, are on the rise globally due to the spread of highly contagious subspecies of the omicron strain, BA.4 and BA.5, the World Health Organization said Tuesday. Earlier, it had reported a 30 percent increase in cases in late June and early July. WHO Director General Tedros Gebreyesus urged governments to respond more flexibly to the changing epidemiological situation and to act proactively to contain the spread of the virus.

The updated WHO interim guidelines call for the use of personal protective measures to reduce transmission:

wearing well-fitting masks;

Avoiding going outdoors during illness to avoid contact;

Avoid poorly ventilated rooms and crowded places;

frequent hand washing.

It is also recommended that risks be assessed when making decisions about mass events. Other recommendations relate to strengthening strategic preparedness and response plans, as well as ensuring that vaccination targets are met. WHO notes the unpredictable evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, which continues to evolve through sustained transmission in humans and domestic, farm and wild animals. A reduction in testing worldwide does not allow sufficient study of the virus' evolution and health consequences for those infected, the organization said in a statement.