Amid the detection of a new coronavirus variant and surge in cases elsewhere, the World Health Organization on Saturday urged Southeast Asian countries to not let their guards down and increase surveillance. <br /> <br />"At no cost should we let our guards down," said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO, South-East Asia Region. <br /> <br />"Though Covid-19 cases have been declining in most countries of our Region, the surge in cases elsewhere in the world and confirmation of a new Variant of Concern is a reminder of the persisting risk and the need for us to continue to do our best to protect against the virus and prevent its spread," she said in a statement.
