Coronavirus cases are increasing in countries hosting Eurocup and WHO fears “super contagion”

The World Health Organization (WHO) was “worried” on Thursday about the growing contagion of the coronavirus in the countries hosting the Eurocup and invited to assess the risks and promote mitigation measures.

“We are concerned about large gatherings of people, especially in countries where new cases are on the increase. It is important to implement public health measures. Organizers and local authorities must promote initiatives to reduce contagion “, said the head of WHO-Europe, Hans Kluge. .

Kluge stressed that it cannot be ruled out that these types of sporting events function like sporting events. “super contagion” and recalled the importance of keeping your distance, washing your hands and wearing a mask if necessary.

“It’s not just the matches themselves, but also other Eurocup-related events.”, underlined the person in charge of the emergencies of the WHO-Europe, Catherine Smallwood.

Smallwood noted that the “main message” is that healthcare systems must be prepared to respond to the sharp increases in contagion caused by the euro, which includes an increase in testing, screening and sequencing of tests, as well as the isolation of those infected.

The WHO, however, recalled that the danger is not only the Eurocup, but also other events that bring together a lot of people during the summer, such as music festivals.

UEFA critic from Germany

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said he was “absolutely irresponsible” UEFA has allowed more than 40,000 supporters to enter Wembley Stadium for the round of 16 of the European Championship between England and Germany on Tuesday.

The 41,973 people who attended the London stadium are the biggest entry into a meeting in Britain since the pandemic began, and it was in full resurgence of cases of Covid fueled by the delta variant, more contagious.

Seehofer, who is also responsible for German sport, was consulted on participation in the match in which Germany was out of the tournament and the prospect of greater capacity for the semi-finals and the final, which will also be played in Wembley. And say: “I think this position of UEFA is absolutely irresponsible.”

According to Seehofer, the decision is motivated by money “and trade must not overshadow the protection of the population against infections”. should say “we don’t want it to be that way and we will reduce the number of spectators”.

Source: agencies