The number of COVID-19 infection cases is rising again in the northern hemisphere.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated in Geneva today that the organization continues to monitor concerning trends for COVID-19 ahead of winter in the northern hemisphere.

Meanwhile, the organization's chief coronavirus expert, Maria Van Kerkhove, noted that during the coldest months, which are approaching in the northern hemisphere, people are at greater risk of infection as they spend more time in closed spaces.

According to the UN agency, the death toll from COVID-19 is rising again in the Middle East and Asia, while North America, Europe, and Asia are witnessing increases in hospitalizations due to COVID-19.

Experts from the World Health Organization reported that 42 cases of the new "BA.2.86" variant, known as Pirola, have been recorded globally in 11 countries, which the organization has been monitoring since mid-August.