Delhi, November 24: The WHO reported that 700,000 deaths could occur in the coming months as cases spread across Europe, forcing some countries to reimpose strict restrictions.
Between now and March 1, 2022, there will be high or extreme stress in 49 out of 53 countries’ intensive care units (ICUs). It predicted that cumulative deaths will top 2.2 million by spring next year, up from 1.5 million as of now.
The number of Covid-related deaths surged to nearly 4,200 deaths daily last week, up from 2,100 deaths a day at the end of September, according to the WHO.
A growing body of evidence demonstrates that vaccines are no longer providing protection against infection and mild disease, according to the WHO. Covid-19 outbreaks in Europe and Central Asia are truly concerning.
Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, said in a statement that there will be a challenging winter ahead. An approach with vaccinations, social distancing, masks, hand washing, and social distancing was recommended.
More Covid-19 Restrictions In Germany
According to the German health minister, additional restrictions are needed to stem a “dramatic” surge in Coronavirus cases as the country’s infection rate hit a record high and the US advised against visiting the country.
The Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases reported Tuesday that the seven-day incidence rate – the number of people infected over a seven-day period – increased from 386.5 per 100,000 to 399.8 per 100,000 in the last week.
Vaccinated people or those who have recently recovered from Covid-19 and who have also had a negative outcome test shouldn’t be allowed to enter public spaces in Germany, says health minister Jens Spahn.
Even though Spahn said lockdowns would be determined by region, he did not rule them out. In some hard-hit regions, including Saxony and Bavaria, Christmas markets have already been canceled.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised against travel to Germany and Denmark following a surge in cases there. The CDC raised its travel recommendation to “Level Four: Very High” as a result of the cases.
In an effort to ease pressure on Dutch hospitals dealing with a surge in Coronavirus cases, the Netherlands started transporting Covid patients across the border to Germany on Tuesday. This week, the number of hospital patients in the Netherlands reached a record high.
Also Read: High vaccination rates can help reduce risk of variants, says WHO
PM Of France Tests Positive
In a written statement released by his office, Jean Castex reported that he had tested positive for Covid-19.
According to French government spokesman Gabriel Attal, the latest round is moving “at a blazing speed” across France, even though France hasn’t put any new restrictions in places like Austria or Germany.
In addition to reinforcing health pass checks in enclosed areas, the government is considering opening up the booster-shot program to more adults, President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday.
The Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and several other cabinet members went into quarantine on Monday following their meeting with their French counterparts.
According to Prime Minister Andrej Babis, the Czech Republic may require people over 60 and certain professions including health and social care workers to receive the Covid-19 vaccine under plans now being drawn up.
Hospitals across the European Union are approaching capacity amid a record surge in Coronavirus infections, with Austria entering a new lockdown on Monday and Slovakia proposing one as well.
According to the European Medicines Agency, Merck has requested that the agency approve its Coronavirus antiviral medication, the first pill showing clinical promise for treating Covid-19.
