The head of the World Health Organization in Europe has warned countries that with the spread of Omicron, the “substantial surge” of Covid-19 cases will be prepared and recommended the widespread use of boosters for protection.
Hans Kluge said at a press conference in Vienna that since its appearance in late November, Omicron has been discovered in at least 38 of the 53 countries in the WHO European region and has been Several of these countries dominate, including Denmark, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Tuesday.
“We can see another storm is coming,” Kruger said. “In a few weeks, Omicron will dominate more countries in the region, pushing the already stretched health system to the edge.”
The WHO European region includes Russia and other former Soviet republics, as well as Turkey.
WHO data shows that this region has reported the largest number of Covid-19 cases in recent weeks compared to the size of the population anywhere in the world. Even before Omicron, officials had warned about another 700,000 deaths.
The WHO headquarters in Geneva has recommended that vaccine boosters be reserved for the most vulnerable, but Kruger urges people to “strengthen, strengthen, strengthen.”
“Boosters are the most important defense against Omicron,” he said.
A WHO spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Kruger’s remarks.
Kluge said that so far, 89% of early Omicron cases in Europe are related to common Covid-19 symptoms such as cough, sore throat and fever. He added that most cases were reported in adults in their 20s and 30s, initially spreading in urban social and workplace gatherings.
He said: “The sheer number of new Covid-19 infections could lead to more hospitalizations and widespread damage to the health system and other critical services.”
“The government and the authorities need to prepare our response system to deal with the surge.”
The WHO said on Monday, Omicron spreads faster than the Delta variant, Causing infection in people who have been vaccinated or recovered from the disease. Its chief scientist said that it is “unwise” to conclude from early evidence that it is a milder variant than the previous one.
When the news broke, some European countries tightened restrictions. Portugal ordered the closure of nightclubs and bars and told people to work from home for at least two weeks. Germany ordered the closure. Re-implement stricter social contact rules.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with 16 state leaders in the country on Tuesday to decide on new measures, including banning more than 10 vaccinated people from attending gatherings.
It is expected that children under the age of 14 will not be subject to these regulations, which will not take effect until December 28. People who have not been vaccinated can only meet up to two people from outside their homes.
In Sweden, people are urged to work from home as much as possible, as well as stricter social distancing regulations, as well as the requirement to provide only seating services in bars, restaurants and large public events.
Worries are also increasing Spain, As the country prepares to enter the Christmas season, the country’s sixth wave of coronavirus has caused the infection rate to soar. The number of cases per 100,000 people reached 609 on Monday, up from 290 two weeks ago.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged people to stay calm, but Hold an emergency meeting On Wednesday afternoon, the country’s regional leaders discussed response measures.
At the same time, Boris Johnson ruled out Further restrictions before ChristmasJohnson said he understands that families across England need certainty to advance Christmas plans, but warned that due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, restrictions may still be implemented after December 25.
Starting from Tuesday, the Covid self-isolation period in England will be Reduced from 10 days to 7 days The government announced that if the vaccinated people pass the lateral flow test on the 6th and 7th day and get all the clearance, this can also help tens of thousands of people save Christmas.
The Christmas decision made after the serious division of the cabinet Initiatives of the Scottish and Welsh Governments Tuesday.Edinburgh’s annual Hogmanay street party has been cancelled, and in Wales As the government tightened regulations restricting the spread of Omicron variants, employees face a fine of £60 for failing to work from home.
With Reuters
