The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that the high rate of the vaccinated and infected population, the lesser severity of the omicron variant and seasonality provide Europe with the possibility of controlling the coronavirus pandemic and promoting a change in strategy
Passengers at the train station in Duesseldorf (Germany). EFE/EPA/SASCHA STEINBACH
“The pandemic is not over, but for the first time we are in a unique situation to control it,” WHO-Europe director Hans Kluge told a news conference.
Kluge stressed, however, that last week 12 million new cases were registered in the WHO European region -which includes 53 countries, several from Central Asia-, the highest number since the start of the pandemic, and that hospital admissions continue to increase. increasing, although at a slower rate and not in intensive care, while deaths begin to stagnate.
30% of all Covid-19 cases reported in the European region since the start of the pandemic have been registered so far this year.
Stop the fire
“This context, which we had not experienced until now in the pandemic, leaves us with the possibility of a long period of tranquility and a higher level of defense of the population against any upsurge in transmission, even against a more virulent variant,” he said. Kluge, who spoke of “a ceasefire that can bring us lasting peace.”
That several European countries, such as Denmark and other Nordic countries, have announced the lifting of all or the majority of the restrictions is a decision of each country after evaluating “risks and benefits,” he said.
The director of WHO-Europe pointed out as “key” to maintain protection for vulnerable groups, increase vaccination, including the third dose; invest in virus control measures and be ready to react in the event of a new wave of contagion.
The expansion of the BA2 variant of omicron requires “careful” monitoring, according to the WHO, although everything indicates that it has a similar effect in terms of severity despite apparently being more transmissible.
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