Thanks to strong immunity across Europe and the lower severity of Omicron, the continent is in a state of "ceasefire" that could lead to the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, the European section of the World Health Organization estimated today.
With the end of winter, "this period of increased protection should be considered a 'ceasefire' that could bring us a lasting peace," WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge said in an online press conference.
During a briefing, he spoke of a "unique opportunity" for countries across Europe to take control of COVID-19 transmission, listing three factors in that direction:
-the high levels of immunization due to vaccinations and "natural" infection,[BR]-the tendency of the virus to spread at a slower rate in warmer weather[BR]-and the lower severity of the Omicron mutation.
This situation cannot last unless immunity is maintained by continuing vaccination campaigns and surveillance of new variants, he explained, however, urging health authorities to protect the most vulnerable populations.
In that region, which has 53 countries, some of which are in central Asia, infections have skyrocketed with Omicron.
Nearly 12 million new cases were recorded last week, according to WHO figures, the highest number since the start of the pandemic two years ago.
Source: in.gr
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