GENEVA – The World Health Organization’s Europe office says projections suggest its 53-nation region could face another 700,000 deaths during the coronavirus pandemic next spring, for a total of 2 million people.
WHO Europe, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, also cited growing evidence of reduced protection against infection and mild illness through vaccines and said the “booster dose” should Priority is given to the most vulnerable populations – including those with weakened immune systems – as well as those over 60 years of age and healthcare workers.
However, the international headquarters of the UN health agency in Geneva has repeatedly called for a moratorium on the use of boosters until the end of the year so that dosages can be provided to many developing countries that are already facing problems. with severe COVID-19 vaccine shortages compared to the rich world.
WHO Europe has urged everyone to get vaccinated and to respect proper hygiene and practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of the virus.
“Today, the COVID-19 situation across Europe and Central Asia is dire. We face a challenging winter ahead, but we should not be without hope, because all We – governments, health authorities, individuals – can take decisive action to stabilize the pandemic,” Dr Kluge, WHO Europe regional director, said in a statement.
The eurozone, which stretches deep into Central Asia, reported that the number of deaths from COVID-19 rose to nearly 4,200 a day last week – double the level recorded at the end of September. The death toll. accumulated has now reached 1.5 million people in the region.
The three factors driving the increase are the highly transmissible delta variant of the virus, the relaxation of restrictive measures such as the requirement to wear masks and physical distancing in places, and a large number of Europe’s population remains unvaccinated, WHO Europe said.
“We can predict that there will be high or extreme stress in hospital beds in 25 countries and high or extreme stress in intensive care units (ICUs) in 49 of 53 countries from now on. until 1 March 2022,” a WHO Europe statement said. “Cumulative reported deaths are predicted to reach more than 2.2 million by next spring, based on current trends.”
It said the region could face 2 million cumulative deaths from the pandemic by March 1.
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