The World Health Organization (WHO) is “very concerned” about the spread of Covid-19 in Europe. In front of BBC, Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Kluge warned that around 500,000 deaths could be registered by March if no urgent action is taken.
The warning comes at a time when the continent is battling a new wave of infections. Several countries have reported record high levels of infection in recent days and the introduction of severe restrictive measures, even a lockdown.
Dr. Kluge noted that factors such as the onset of the winter season, insufficient vaccine coverage and the regional dominance of the more portable Delta variant are behind the spread of coronavirus.
He called for increased vaccination and the implementation of basic public health measures and the use of new medical treatments to help fight the spread of the virus.
Dr Kluge emphasized that compulsory vaccination should be seen as a “last resort”, but that it would be “very timely” to hold a “legal and social debate” on the issue.
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