On Tuesday, the World Health Organization warned that Covid-19 is now more common than ever and may be found in every country.

“Omicron has been spreading at an unprecedented rate,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO Director-General) said in a Covid update held in Geneva. “Seventy seven countries have reported cases of Omicron. Omicron can be found in almost all countries.

Tedros indicated that WHO is concerned by the fact that some countries have dismissed omicron’s mild variant. Omicron can be more infectious than other strains, but it’s not clear if the variant is more severe or milder.

Tedros stated that “we have now learned that we underestimate the virus at our peril.” Tedros stated that, even though the omicron virus causes less severe illness, its sheer numbers could overwhelm already-prepared health care systems.

Tedros cautioned that vaccinations will not be sufficient to protect nations from the omicron virus, stressing the importance masks and social distance.

“It is not vaccinations in place of using masks. Distancing is better than vaccines. This is not a substitute for ventilation and hand hygiene. It’s not enough to do it all. It’s important to do it all. Do it well,” Tedros said.

This is the latest breaking news. Keep checking back for more information.