After a two-month downturn, the number of new Covid-19 cases in Europe is rising again / Article

After a two-month downturn, the number of new Covid-19 cases in Europe is rising againRihards Plūme00:00 / 02:23

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A spokesman for the organization explained that the coronavirus delta or Indian strain was becoming more widespread, rapidly replacing the alpha or British strain of the virus. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control estimates that delta may account for 90% of Covid-19 cases in the European Union by the end of August.

With a statement that The number of new Covid-19 cases is rising again in Europe, Hans Klugge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, made the announcement on Thursday.

“The ten-week decline in Covid-19 infections in 53 WHO countries in the European region has come to an end. The number of cases increased by 10% in the past week, driven by increased contact, travel, assembly and the easing of social restrictions. ”

The organisation’s official explained that the new coronavirus delta, or Indian strain, which is rapidly replacing the alpha or British strain, is becoming more widespread. This is happening at a time when millions of Europeans are still not vaccinated.

Kluge said the average vaccine coverage in the European region is 24%, and half of the elderly and 40% of healthcare workers have still not been vaccinated. This is unacceptable and far from the recommended vaccination rate for 80% of the adult population.

He emphasized that there would be a new wave in the WHO European Region unless the population became disciplined.

“The delta type is taking over dominance over the alpha type very quickly, and this is already being seen in the growing number of hospitalizations and deaths. In August, the delta option will be dominant in the European region. But in August, the region will not be fully vaccinated.

63% of people are still waiting for their first dose of the vaccine, and in August the European region will still be largely free of restrictions with increasing travel and gathering rates. ”

Germany has criticized the European Football Championship, which allows large crowds of fans, saying that commerce has taken precedence over protecting people.

However, UEFA is not the only one who wants to give up by hand, in some cases overly cautious. Michael O’Leirie, head of Ryaniar, also said it was detrimental to business interests and called for the resumption of free travel in Europe.

“I am not worried about the delta option. We think that a lot is being mismanaged politically. We have a huge population, both in the UK and in an increasing number of European adults, who are fully vaccinated and therefore not at risk. ”

Meanwhile, the European Medicines Agency confirmed on Thursday that two doses of Covid-19 vaccine provide protection against the rapidly spreading delta variant. Officials say all four vaccines approved in Europe protect against all types of the virus, including the delta.

Speaking at the European Parliament, the Governor of the European Central Bank, Kristine Lagarda, warned of the threat that the delta and other forms of the virus pose to the European economy.

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