March 19, 2021
2 mins read

WHO warns against easing curbs too early

Many European countries are currently reinforcing lockdown

Kluge’s warning on Thursday came as the region has been witnessing a rise in Covid-19 transmission rates, while its death toll was inching towards the 1 million mark…reports Asian Lite News

Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for Europe, has warned countries against premature easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

Kluge’s warning on Thursday came as the region has been witnessing a rise in Covid-19 transmission rates, while its death toll was inching towards the 1 million mark, Xinhua news agency.

Addressing a virtual press conference here, Kluge noted that “while 27 countries are currently in a partial or full nationwide lockdown, 21 are gradually easing restrictive measures”.

“Some are doing so based on the assumption that increasing vaccination uptake in countries would immediately lead to an improved epidemiological situation,” he said.

“Such assumptions are too early to make.”

Kluge stressed that with vaccination coverage in the region ranging from less than 1 per cent to 44 per cent, it is “far too early to demonstrate the effect of vaccines on overall Covid-19 hospitalisation and deaths”.

Despite “giant scientific leaps and the introduction of effective tools that give us power over the virus”, the WHO official acknowledged that in parts of the region, such as central Europe, the Balkans and the Baltic states, “case incidence, hospitalizations and deaths are now among the highest in the world”.

According to Kluge, case incidence in Europe continues its increasing trend, with over 1.2 million new cases reported last week.

“Last week, new deaths in the region surpassed 900,000. Every week, more than 20,000 people across the region lose their lives to the virus,” said Kluge.

“The number of people dying from Covid-19 in Europe is higher now than it was this time last year, reflecting the widespread hold this virus has.”

As a consequence of the rising numbers, the regional director called upon states in the region to “remain steadfast in our application of the full range of tools” to fight the coronavirus.

“Let there be no doubt about it, vaccination by itself, particularly given the varied uptake in countries, does not replace public health and social measures,” said Kluge.

Also read:WHO warns of ‘post Covid’ health risks

Previous Story

‘Ram Setu’ shoot begins in Ayodhya

Next Story

Austin meets Modi in New Delhi

Latest from -Top News

Kenyans put president on notice

Kenya’s fifth president became a remarkably unpopular leader barely two years into his presidency after proposing aggressive tax measures that many saw as a betrayal of his campaign promise to support working-class

World Bank grants South Africa a $1.5 bn loan

Deteriorating rail systems, jammed ports and frequent blackouts have hindered vital industries like mining and auto manufacturing in South Africa, contributing to slow economic growth over the last decade in Africa’s most

Judge halts Trump from dismantling USADF

Congress established USADF as an independent agency in 1980, with the mandate to support economic development initiatives in AfricaXXX In a significant legal development, a federal judge in Washington, DC, has temporarily

BRICS Bank Welcomes Colombia, Uzbekistan

The bank’s Board of Governors approved the accession of the two countries, bringing the total membership to 11….reports Asian Lite News Colombia and Uzbekistan have joined the New Development Bank (NDB), expanding
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US House votes to declassify info on Covid-19 origin

The move is aimed at demystifying several conspiracy theories surrounding

Vivek Murthy Renamed US Ambassador to WHO Board

The 46-year-old’s nomination was re-sent as his confirmation to the