Today: 4 May 2025
19 March 2021
2 mins read

WHO warns against easing curbs too early

Many European countries are currently reinforcing lockdown

Kluge’s warning on Thursday came as the region has been witnessing a rise in Covid-19 transmission rates, while its death toll was inching towards the 1 million mark…reports Asian Lite News

Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for Europe, has warned countries against premature easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

Kluge’s warning on Thursday came as the region has been witnessing a rise in Covid-19 transmission rates, while its death toll was inching towards the 1 million mark, Xinhua news agency.

Addressing a virtual press conference here, Kluge noted that “while 27 countries are currently in a partial or full nationwide lockdown, 21 are gradually easing restrictive measures”.

“Some are doing so based on the assumption that increasing vaccination uptake in countries would immediately lead to an improved epidemiological situation,” he said.

“Such assumptions are too early to make.”

Kluge stressed that with vaccination coverage in the region ranging from less than 1 per cent to 44 per cent, it is “far too early to demonstrate the effect of vaccines on overall Covid-19 hospitalisation and deaths”.

Despite “giant scientific leaps and the introduction of effective tools that give us power over the virus”, the WHO official acknowledged that in parts of the region, such as central Europe, the Balkans and the Baltic states, “case incidence, hospitalizations and deaths are now among the highest in the world”.

According to Kluge, case incidence in Europe continues its increasing trend, with over 1.2 million new cases reported last week.

“Last week, new deaths in the region surpassed 900,000. Every week, more than 20,000 people across the region lose their lives to the virus,” said Kluge.

“The number of people dying from Covid-19 in Europe is higher now than it was this time last year, reflecting the widespread hold this virus has.”

As a consequence of the rising numbers, the regional director called upon states in the region to “remain steadfast in our application of the full range of tools” to fight the coronavirus.

“Let there be no doubt about it, vaccination by itself, particularly given the varied uptake in countries, does not replace public health and social measures,” said Kluge.

Also read:WHO warns of ‘post Covid’ health risks

Previous Story

‘Ram Setu’ shoot begins in Ayodhya

Next Story

Russia ‘prepared for worst’ over US ties

Latest from -Top News

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of

Abu Dhabi, Beirut Reconnect 

A key highlight of Aoun’s visit to UAE was the agreement to ease travel restrictions between the two countries — a move set to facilitate the movement of citizens and promote closer

Putin lauds UAE’s role in prisoner swaps 

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Vladimir Putin reaffirm growing partnership amid UAE’s humanitarian role in Ukraine conflict  In a strong display of strategic diplomacy and humanitarian leadership, President His

ATM 2025 sets new standard 

The global event drew over 55,000 travel and tourism professionals from 166 countries, marking a 16% year-on-year increase in attendance and cementing Dubai’s role as a key hub for shaping the future
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Ukraine war will last, says Macron

Macron also said the French defence council will gather on

‘UAE using UNSC role to end Ukraine conflict’

During a meeting, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Austrian Chancellor