Arcturus (XBB.1.16) COVID-19 variant and global public health emergency: correspondence

Dear Editor,

We read the publication ‘The WHO announced COVID-19 is no longer a global public health emergency amid the spreading of arcturus variant: a correspondence evaluating this decision’ with great interest¹. Concerns have been expressed about the recent introduction of the Arcturus (XBB.1.16) COVID-19 subvariant in a number of countries, including Asia. The situation in Indonesia sheds light on this troubling trend, requiring us to act quickly to mitigate its potential impact on public health². We would like to voice our worry over the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent pronouncement that COVID-19 is no longer a pandemic threat. This decision appears premature in my opinion, given the advent of the Arcturus strain and the possible ramifications for global health.

According to the information supplied, the Arcturus variety is now circulating and rapidly expanding across India and surrounding nations. Its capacity to mix with other strains, as well as the spike mutation, have prompted concerns among healthcare specialists, who predict another global expansion. With the WHO relaxing limitations, there is a greater likelihood of increased travel, which might aid in the spread of this variant and potentially cause even more mutations through recombination. Furthermore, when considering the WHO’s pronouncement, it is critical to evaluate the long-term impacts of COVID-19. The Mayo Clinic has found post-COVID-19 syndrome, in which people have persistent symptoms and lasting organ damage. With the possibility of a return of cases and the strain it would throw on the healthcare system, an increasing number of people would be at risk of suffering these long-term repercussions.

While the WHO has emphasized its 2023–2025 COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, sustained vaccine push, and ongoing viral monitoring and reporting, it is critical to recognize the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19 and its variants. The decrease in deaths, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admissions should not overshadow the possible risks and implications of prematurely pronouncing the end of the pandemic-level threat. Looking ahead, global health organizations, governments, and individuals must stay attentive in their attempts to restrict the spread of COVID-19 and its variations. To avoid new outbreaks and protect vulnerable people, strict adherence to public health measures such as mask use, social distancing, and vaccination campaigns must be stressed.

Finally, we encourage the WHO to reconsider its declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic threat. The development of the Arcturus variety, as well as the possibility of subsequent changes, highlight the importance of continued surveillance and preventative steps to prevent a resurgence of cases. We’ve come a long way in controlling this virus, and it’s critical not to jeopardize our gains by loosening restrictions too soon. The authors hope that this discussion illuminates the need to thoroughly assess the worldwide COVID-19 situation and the need for ongoing measures to preserve public health.

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Author contribution

H.D.: 50% ideas, writing, analyzing, and approval; V.W.: 50% ideas, supervision, and approval.

Conflicts of interest disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Guarantor

Professor Viroj Wiwanitkit.

Data availability statement

There are no new data generated.

Provenance and peer review

Not applicable.