Test positivity rate

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted that since mid-February 2025, global SARS-CoV-2 activity had been increasing, with the test positivity rate reaching 11%, levels that had not been observed since July 2024. 

“This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions. Since early 2025, global SARS-CoV-2 variant trends have slightly shifted. Circulation of LP.8.1 has been declining, and reporting of NB.1.8.1, a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), is increasing, reaching 10.7% of global sequences reported as of mid-May,’’ noted WHO global situation report.

It added that the recent increases in SARS-CoV-2 activity were broadly consistent with levels observed during the same period last year, however, there still lacked a clear seasonality in SARS-CoV-2 circulation, and surveillance was limited. 

WHO has recommended continued monitoring as an essential element to controlling COVID spread. It had also advised all member-states to continue applying a risk-based, integrated approach to managing COVID-19.

“As part of comprehensive COVID-19 control programmes, vaccination remains a key intervention for preventing severe disease and death, particularly among risk groups,’’ added WHO.