At 34%, the increase in the number of coronavirus cases in some European countries has reached 34% compared to last week, according to figures given by EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou to Cypriot journalists covering the proceedings of the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg.
Ms. Kyriakidou said she expects by July 17-18 a new recommendation from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to all EU member states on what they should do immediately based on scientific evidence.
He stressed the need to be vigilant while preparing for next autumn, noting that member states should now strengthen their surveillance, health systems and overall preparedness.
Kyriakidou noted that "we are in constant contact with vaccine manufacturers, and we have adjusted our contracts to align demand and supply to avoid wasted doses."
He said that September is likely to be the month in which we will be able to approve the first updated vaccines, targeting new mutations.
He also stressed the need for continued vaccination, noting that there is a supply of vaccines.
She noted that according to the latest ECDC data, the proportion of cases in people over 65 is increasing in 21 of the 26 countries providing data.
Care of Ukrainians in the EU
Ms. Kyriakidou also mentioned that more than 760 Ukrainian patients in need of treatment and care have now been transferred to EU hospitals, thanks to EU solidarity mechanisms and the generosity of EEA Member States and partners.
Many of these patients, often children, need care for burns or prosthetic materials, he noted, adding that Ukraine wants to set up a prosthetic materials manufacturing site in Ukraine, and they need our contribution.
This is true European solidarity in action. The EU has mobilized assistance on an unprecedented scale and speed to support and protect Ukraine and its people. Ukraine can continue to rely on EU support, Ms Kyriakidou assured.
She also said that "together with Member States, we have provided more than 42,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including medicines and medical supplies, temporary shelter and psychosocial support. €9 million from the EU4Health programme to help people fleeing Ukraine who urgently need mental health and post-traumatic support.
Hepatitis cases in children
Ms. Kyriakidou also referred to the increase in cases of hepatitis of unknown etiology in children.
As reported by the WHO 650 possible cases have been recorded by the WHO worldwide until 26 May in 33 countries.
As of 16 June 2022, 449 cases have been reported in 20 countries in Europe, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety pointed out.
Ms. Kyriakidou noted that data on transmission remain unclear and said that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), have set up an incident-based surveillance system with a common definition of cases and a reporting protocol for countries to report cases.
In addition, Ms Kyriakidou noted that hypotheses related to side effects from COVID-19 vaccines are not currently supported, as most of the affected children did not receive these vaccines.
Source: CNA
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