Coronavirus: WHO warns of ‘difficult’ autumn and winter

The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned of autumn and winter in Europe “Tough“Due to increase in Covid-19 cases against the backdrop of relaxation among member states. “Covid-19 remains a dreadful, potentially fatal disease”underlined Hans Kluge, the director of WHO Europe, admitting that he himself had contracted it for the first time two weeks ago and that it affected him for three days.

a number that has tripled in many countries

Mr. Kluge described the current situation in a statement as follows: “Last summer“But, he clarified,”This time the Covid-19 wave is driven by the sublines of the Omron variant“More infectious. The number of COVID-19 cases in the 53 countries covered by the organization (including several in Central Asia) has tripled in the past six weeks,”Close to three million cases reported last week“That’s about half of the worldwide total, he recalled.

Over the same period, the number of hospitalizations has doubled, although the number of intensive care admissions remains.Relatively lowHe said, “About 3,000 people still die from Covid every week in Europe. According to the organization, the number of covid cases is expected to continue to rise in the coming months due to the end of the summer holidays. As temperatures drop. Also schools and social contacts are more in closed places.

it will be too late to wait until fall to take action

combined with a “The decline in virus surveillance”“Shows such an increase”a hard fall and winter“In Europe, warned Mr. Kluge. According to him, states must”give immediate feedback“Act now to address gaps in epidemic surveillance and to avoid preventable deaths and serious disruptions to health systems. “Waiting to act until autumn will be too late“, he insisted.

WHO Europe has also unveiled a strategy for autumn and winter. This includes considering increasing population vaccinations, second booster doses for immunized people over the age of five and their close friends and family, and advice on offering such a measure to specific risk groups. “at least three months after their last injection”.

The organization also invites people to ventilate busy public spaces such as schools and offices, and to encourage the wearing of masks indoors and on public transport to “enforce a rigorous protocol for those at risk of serious illness”.