Copenhagen: The increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Europe is a “big worries” and the area can see half a million deaths early next year, the World Health Organization warns on Thursday.
With 78 million cases in the WHO European region – which stretches 53 countries and regions and includes several countries in Central Asia – cumulative victims now exceed that Southeast Asia, the East Mediterranean region, West Pacific, and African joint, and African said organizations.
“We, once again, at the center of the epicenter,” said European Director Hans Kluge at a press conference.
Kluge noted that “the current transmission rate in 53 countries in the European region is very alarming.” According to “one reliable projection” the current trajectory will mean “half a million deaths of one million covid-19” in February, added Klude.
Increased observed “in all age groups,” he said.
Kluge blames Kasel which jumps on “inadequate vaccination coverage” and “relaxation of public health and social action.” The level of hospital admission is higher in countries with lower vaccination rates, he said.
Steps such as testing, search, physical bementing and the use of face masks are still part of “Arsenal” in fighting the virus.
“We have to change our tactics, from reacting to the Covid-19 surge, to prevent them from happening from the start,” Kluge said.
The number of new cases per day has increased for almost six consecutive weeks in Europe and the number of new deaths per day has increased for more than seven consecutive weeks, with around 250,000 cases and 3,600 deaths per day, according to official country data compiled by AFP .
During the past seven days, Russia has led an increase with 8,162 deaths, followed by Ukraine with 3,819 deaths and and Romania with 3,100 deaths, according to data.