Worrying Covid resurgence in Europe, warns WHO
March 05, 2021 00:17
The World Health Organization has warned of a concerning resurgence in coronavirus cases in central and eastern parts of Europe.
New cases are also on the rise in several western European countries where rates were already high, Dr Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, said during a news conference.
"The continued strain on our hospitals and health workers is being met with acts of medical solidarity between European neighbors. Nonetheless, over a year into the pandemic, our health systems should not be in this situation, he added.
During the WHO news conference, it was also revealed that recent data around the Pfizer/BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines have been promising and could lead to further recommendations on dosing intervals.
The recent data on the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are encouraging, and I think this will lead us to the review of the earlier recommendations being made, said Dr. Siddhartha Datta, WHO Europes program manager for vaccine preventable disease and immunization.
A total of 45 countries have started vaccinations in the European region. So far, 1.9 per cent of the population in 40 countries and 24.5 per cent of health workers in 20 countries have received both doses of a vaccine.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances