World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri P. Kluge, Given the wave of coronavirus infections in China, he advised European citizens to continue wearing masks indoors and on public transport.
Kluge underlined that variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus circulating in China are already seen in Europe and elsewhere. “We share the current view of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control The continued increase in China is currently not expected to significantly impact the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in the WHO European Region.”
However, the WHO’s European leader emphasized that although China has shared information on the sequence of the virus, information is needed.detailed and orderly“, specifically about epidemiology and local variables to better determine the development of the condition.
That’s why Kluge reassured that while awaiting more detailed information on the situation in China, it was “not unreasonable” for countries to take precautionary measures to protect their populations. However, he called for the implementation of the adopted initiatives. “proportionate and non-discriminatory”.
Recent data from some of these countries are starting to show the increasing presence of the new recombinant virus. XBB.1.5 It is already spreading “rapidly” in the United States. In this sense, Kluge reported that there are still a few cases in Europe, although studies are underway to assess their potential effects.
“After a three long-year pandemic in which many countries are dealing with overstretched healthcare systems, lack of essential drugs and a depleted health workforce, we can’t take any more pressure on our health systems.”
However, he urged countries in Europe and Central Asia to redouble their efforts to implement proven effective strategies and avoid complacency. “This means urgent reinvestment and recommitment to advanced virological and genomic surveillance. sewer monitoring, as possible. This means investing in and protecting the health workforce, which can undermine the effective delivery of health care in many places.”
Finally, Kluge acceptance of vaccines in the general population; administering additional vaccine doses to priority groups; ventilate public and crowded areas such as schools, bars and restaurants, open-air offices and public transport; and to provide early and appropriate treatments to patients at risk of serious illness.
“These measures can also reduce the impact of other respiratory infections, especially the flu that our healthcare services are grappling with right now. Science, vigilance, accountability: all of these must come together more and more as we enter a new era. fourth year of the epidemic securing a future for all” was resolved.