“Site in Europe alarming”, WHO calls for increased measures

He reiterated the implementation of distance and hygiene measures, while adding that these will work if all are involved.

There are fundamental measures that we all know and that need to grow to reduce transmission, reduce the burden of health services, and save lives. These measures, along with adequate testing, quarantine and isolation and vaccine, will work if we all get involved”, Cluj said.

Speaking at a press conference, Hans Kluge called the current situation a turning point in the course of the pandemic, as Europe was challenged by both the increased cases and new strains of the virus causing COVID-19.

This is an alarming situation, which means that over a short period of time we have to do more than we have done and intensify public health and social measures to be sure we can level the vertical steep line in some countries,” said, referring mainly to the new version first discovered in the United Kingdom.

There will be an added impact on health that is already stressed and under pressure”, Kloge said.

Europe has been hit hard by the pandemic COVID, with more than 27.6 million cases and 603000 deaths, according to WHO.