Health

WHO warns of Covid-19 third wave amid rising cases in Europe

Copenhagen, Jul 1 (EFE).- The seven-day incidence of coronavirus cases across the European region increased by 10% for the first time in ten weeks, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

“A 10 week decline in the number of Covid-19 cases in the 53 countries in the WHO European region has come to an end,” WHO Europe regional director, Hans Kluge, told a press conference in Copenhagen.

“Last week the number of cases rose by 10%,” he added.

Kluge said the increase in cases is driven by travel, easing of social restrictions and the fast spreading Delta variant.

He also said 63% of people in the region are still waiting for their first vaccine dose.

“The three conditions for a new wave of excess hospitalizations and deaths before the autumn are therefore in place; new variants, deficit in vaccine update, increase social mixing,” Kluge said.

The director warned the third wave would inevitably hit the region before autumn unless people are disciplined and take the vaccine “without hesitation”.

Vaccine coverage in the WHO European region is at 24%, Kluge said.

“That is unacceptable and far from the recommended 80% coverage of the adult population,” he added.

The WHO also expressed concern over a surge in cases in countries hosting the Euro 2020 football games.

Related Articles

Back to top button