Coronavirus, covid-19 | WHO warns Norway and the rest of Europe before the summer holidays

Fears of resurgence in Europe. Asks Europeans to drop travel abroad.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the vaccines used in Europe are apparently effective against the many new variants of the corona virus. But the WHO points out that Europe is still in a vulnerable situation, and therefore advises against traveling abroad.

– The pandemic is not over yet, says WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri Kluge, in a statement.

– Increased mobility and interaction can lead to more infection. We still face a persistent threat and new uncertainty. Therefore, we must exercise caution and reconsider or avoid international travel, he says.

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– Do not make the same mistake as last year

The weekly proven cases of infection in Europe have fallen by 60 percent since mid-April. The number of deaths is also declining.

– This progress is vulnerable. We have been here before, says Kluge.

He says that several countries now have “pockets” with increased infection pressure that can quickly develop into a dangerous resurgence.

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Kluge therefore advises European leaders not to “make the same mistake that was made at the same time last year, which led to a resurgence of covid-19, where health care, local communities and economies were once again hit by the full force of the pandemic”.

Furthermore, Kluge stated that the Indian variant B.1.617 has now been detected in 26 European countries. The vast majority of cases are related to imported infections, but there is also further infection within several European countries.

– We still have a lot to learn about the new variant, but it is able to spread quickly and replace the British variant (B.1.17) which has now become the dominant variant in Europe, he says.

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– Do not be blinded by the light in the tunnel

The vaccines approved for use in Europe appear to respond to the new Indian variant. However, as only 23% of Europe’s population has received the first dose of the vaccine, and only 11% have received both doses, European authorities and citizens must continue to act with caution.

– Neither testing nor vaccines can replace measures such as keeping physical distance, use of face masks in public spaces and other health measures. Vaccines may be a light at the end of the tunnel, but we can not be dazzled by this light, he says.

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The WHO says it is currently difficult to determine with certainty how contagious this Indian variety is.

“There are three subgroups of this particular variant of concern, and one of them has shown an ability to spread fairly quickly in the presence of B.1.17,” said Catherine Smallwood, WHO’s Head of Emergency Management for Europe. statement.

– We have seen this in several places in the UK, but also other countries in Europe, she says.

Also read: Nakstad: We must expect more infection among younger people when it reopens

Widespread in several countries

As of 18 May, 28 cases of the Indian varieties have been detected in Norway. The National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) writes in its latest weekly report that the British, South African, Brazilian and Indian variants – all of which are categorized as variants of concern, Variant of Concern – have become widespread in various countries recently. In addition, they appear to be more contagious than other varieties in circulation.

“For several of them, there is also some uncertainty about how well previous immunity or vaccination will protect, especially against the Indian varieties. Studies also suggest that the English variant may cause a more serious illness, “writes FHI in ukes reports.

Also read: From 7 June, Spain will admit all vaccinated travelers

Crown passport

This week it became known that the EU countries will agree to open the borders for fully vaccinated. The final decision is expected to be made at ministerial level in the EU during Friday. The plan is to put in place a scheme with a so-called corona passport by 21 June.

Each individual EU country is now working to establish verifiable corona certificates that are linked to different countries’ registers. In Norway, the plan is to put in place the first version around 8 June.

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