But it was the pandemic — now entering its third year — that again dominated life for most of humankind. Over 5.4 million people have died since the coronavirus was first reported in central China in December 2019. Countless more have been sickened — subjected to outbreaks, lockdowns, lock-ins and an alphabet spaghetti of PCR, LFT and RAT tests. But the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of trying times ahead. "This is and will continue to put immense pressure on exhausted health workers, and health systems on the brink of collapse."

Source: Manila Times December 31, 2021 16:30 UTC