WHO Europe calls for intense measures to contain COVID-19 pandemic in region

World Health Organisation (WHO) Europe on January 7 said that more efforts are required to deal with alarming situation of COVID-19 pandemic with a drastic increase of new infections linked to recently discovered variant of vel coronavirus. While speaking at a press conference, WHO Europe’s regional director Hans Kluge called present situation “a tipping point” in course of pandemic that has continued to tighten its grip even after more than a year it first originated in China. Europe is currently t only dealing with a surge in cases but also new strains of virus causing COVID-19 more easily. 

"This is an alarming situation, which means that for a short period of time we need to do more than we have done and to intensify public health and social measures to be certain we can flatten steep vertical line in some countries," Kluge said, referring to new variant first discovered in UK.

Even though it is rmal for viruses to mutate over a certain period without causing any more severe symptoms, UK variant’s “increased transmissibility” according to Kluge is a matter of concern. WHO regional director for Europe said, "Without increased control to slow its spread, re will be an increased impact on already stressed and pressurised health facilities". He also proposed already familiar measures such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and limiting garings. 

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He stressed that measures will work if y are coupled with testing, quarantine, isolation and vaccination. He said it "will work if we all get involved" and WHO's European Region constitutes of 53 nations including Russia and several or Central Asian countries. Out of which, at least 22 countries have already recorded cases of new variant which has ability to replace older version of vel coronavirus. 

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WHO chief reiterates 'act toger'

Meanwhile, in a call for global immunisation, WHO director-general on January 6 said that COVID-19 pandemic entered a phase where 'solidarity is needed like never before'. Talking about COVAX, a WHO backed program, Tedros Adham said that initiative is already backed by 190 countries. He demanded quick supply of vaccines so that roll-out could begin at earliest and those at high-risk, could be protected. He reiterated 'Act toger'.

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