WHO has warned of possible increase in coronavirus deaths in Europe due to Delta variant and summer easing

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday expressed concern about the possibility that the coronavirus pandemic cause 236,000 more deaths in Europe over the next three months as well as the recent “stagnation” of the vaccination rate on the continent.

“Last week, deaths rose 11% on the continent, with a reliable projection predicting 236,000 more deaths by December 1”, which will be added to the 1.3 million already verified, said the WHO director for Europe at a press conference, Hans Kluge.

Countries in the region have experienced higher infection rates since the onset of the Delta variant, more contagious, especially in unvaccinated people.

Out of 53 Member States in the region, 33 reported a 10% higher incidence of cases in two weeksDetailed Kluge.

In addition to the higher transmissibility of the Delta variant, part of this increase was “excessively relaxed” restrictions and summer travel. And above all because the vaccination rate has slowed down.

“Over the past six weeks, the rate has been reduced by 14%, due to lack of access to vaccines in some countries, and non-acceptance to be vaccinated in others.”Kluge added, urging for increased production and dose sharing.

While three quarters of health workers in Europe are vaccinated, some countries reach only 10%, detailed the UN agency.

In low- and middle-income European countries, only 6% of its people are fully immuneKluge warned, recalling that the WHO recommended 80% coverage to turn the page on the pandemic.

Based on your data, in eight months, nearly 850 million doses were administered in the region, which extends to Central Asia.

In the region, at least 413.26 million people are fully vaccinated (44.2% of the total), according to an agency count AFP this Monday.

5.239 million doses have been distributed worldwide. At least 216.3 million people have fallen ill with covid-19 worldwide and some 4.5 million have died since December 2019, according to this report established from official sources.

As for the inoculation of a third dose, WHO has called for a moratorium to allow poor countries to stock up on vaccines.

“A third dose may be needed in the future for specific population groups and / or settings. However, more information is needed on the ideal timing and dosage for the booster, which may differ depending on the vaccine. “said a spokesperson for WHO Europe.

For Kluge “it is crucial that the population agrees to be vaccinated”, especially since health and social measures have been relaxed in several places.

“Skepticism about vaccines and the denial of science prevent stabilizing this crisis, they serve no one,” he added.

At the start of the school year, Member States should develop a vaccination strategy to maintain face-to-face teaching, considered vital.

They should “offer the vaccine against covid-19 to teachers and school staff as part of national immunization plans,” WHO and UNICEF Europe said in a statement on Monday.

In Europe, there are large disparities in restrictions.

In France for example, the need for the health pass was extended on Monday to 1.8 million employees who maintain contact with the public, whether in restaurants, cinemas, museums or railways. Until now, it was only mandatory for customers.

With information from AFP

Read on: