Europe reported 2 million COVID-19 cases in last week, largest since pandemic began: WHO

Almost 2 million cases of COVID-19 were reported last week in Europe, which is single largest count in a week in region since pandemic started. re were also 27,000 COVID-related fatalities in continent with more than half of all deaths in world last week, World Health Organisation (WHO) Chief, Dr. Tedros hanom Ghebreyesus said on Saturday at a press briefing on COVID-19. While WHO is aiming to reach 40% inoculation goal by end of this year, disparities in vaccination rate and surging virus infection cases have gravely worried Dr. Ghebreyesus.

COVID cases have been surging not in nations with lower vaccination rates in eastern Europe but also in countries with largest vaccination turnouts, he said in press briefing. On Saturday, Russia reported a new record of over 1,240 COVID-related deaths and 39,256 new cases in 24 hours. As per task force, newly reported cases hit overall tally to over 9 million on Saturday.

Between November 1 to 7, WHO European region reported nearly 19,49,419 new cases, indicating a 7% week-on-week rise. On or hand, over 26,000 new deaths also represented a 10% jump in category, while jacent regions showed a descending graph.

"Some European countries are now reintroducing restrictions to curb transmission and take pressure off ir health systems," Dr. Ghebreyesus noted.

However, as a precautionary reminder, he also stated that vaccines do not replace need for or precautions inste y just reduce risk of hospitalisation, severe disease and death.

'Scandal must stop': WHO recommends tailored protection

Speaking at press briefing on Saturday, Dr. Ghebreyesus recommended tailored and proportionate use of testing, masks, physical distancing and measures to prevent crowding, improve ventilation and more. "And get vaccinated when it is your turn," he emphasised. Suggesting world leers to strike a balance between keeping transmission down and societies and economies open, WHO chief asserted that it is not about how many people get vaccinated, it is about who gets vaccinated.

"It makes no sense to give boosters to healthy ults or to vaccinate children, when health workers, older people and or high-risk groups around world are still waiting for ir first dose. exception, as we have said, is immunocompromised individuals," Dr. Tedros said.

Reiterating his call for vaccine equity, Dr. Tedros also urged countries with a "stockpile" of jabs to stop "scandal." While low-income countries continue to wait for ir primary dose, every day, re are six times more boosters ministered globally than primary doses in low-income countries, he said.

Dr. Ghebreyesus also briefly highlighted a new report by WHO. data presented in collaboration with US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that more than 22 million infants missed ir first dose of measles vaccine last year, marking largest increase in 2 deces. "24 measles vaccination campaigns in 23 countries were postponed because of COVID-19 pandemic, leaving more than 93 million people at risk of one of world’s most contagious pathogens," Dr. Ghebreyesus said.

Image: AP/PIXABAY