WHO: The number of new crowns worldwide is expected to reach 10 million next week

, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday that the number of confirmed cases in the world is expected to reach 10 million next week.
WHO Director-General Tan Desser said at a regular press conference that countries have reported more than 9.1 million newly confirmed cases to WHO and more than 470,000 deaths. In the first month of the outbreak, fewer than 10,000 cases were reported to WHO, while nearly 4 million cases were reported in the last month. WHO estimates that the number of newly confirmed cases worldwide will reach 10 million next week.
said WHO will continue to use existing tools to maximize the spread of the virus and save lives, and one of the most effective ways to save lives is to provide oxygen to patients. Patients with new coronary and critical conditions are unable to get enough oxygen through normal breathing, and if not treated promptly, they will die of lack of oxygen.
WHO estimates that at the current rate of about 1 million new cases per week worldwide, about 620,000 cubic metres of oxygen per day, or about 88,000 large oxygen cylinders, are needed. However, many countries have difficulties in obtaining oxygen machines, as 80 per cent of the market supply comes from a small number of companies and is currently in short supply.
, WHO and other United Nations agencies are working with manufacturers around the world through various private sector networks to purchase oxygen machines for countries most in need. Through negotiations with suppliers in recent weeks, WHO has purchased 14,000 oxygen machines and will send them to 120 countries in the coming weeks. WHO has also determined that 170,000 oxygen machines will be operational in the next six months.
also expressed support for Saudi Arabia's decision to limit the number of pilgrims to Mecca this year based on an outbreak risk assessment and urged all countries to learn from Saudi practices and put health first.