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The number of weekly coronavirus cases in Europe surpassed 300,000 last week, more than during the first peak in March, prompting dire warnings from health experts.
At a press conference on Thursday, the European director of the World Health Organization, Dr. Hans Kluge, warned that Europe is facing a “very serious” situation and advised against “even a slight reduction in the duration of the quarantine. “.
The European director of the WHO said that more than half of European countries have seen an increase of more than 10 percent in infections in the last two weeks.
Dr. Kluge said: “We have a very serious situation before us.
“Weekly cases have now exceeded those reported when the pandemic peaked in Europe in March.
“Last week, the region’s weekly count surpassed 300,000 patients.
“More than half of European countries have reported an increase of more than 10 percent in cases in the last two weeks.
“Of these, seven countries have seen recently reported cases more than double in the same period.”
Dr. Kluge highlighted the effectiveness of the strict closures that were imposed throughout the region at the beginning of the pandemic.
“In the spring and early summer we could see the impact of the strict closure measures. Our efforts, our sacrifices were worth it ”, said the European head of the WHO.
“In June, the cases reached a record low. The September case numbers, however, should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. “
Dr Kluge added that while the rising numbers reflect “more comprehensive evidence,” they also show “alarming rates of transmission in the region.”
The world body also said it would not alter its recommendation of two weeks of quarantine for anyone exposed to the virus, as several European countries seek to shorten their period of self-isolation.
“Our 14-day quarantine recommendation has been based on our knowledge of the incubation and transmission period of the disease. We will only review it on the basis of a change in our understanding of science, ”said Catherine Smallwood, WHO Senior Emergency Officer Europe.
In the UK and Ireland, anyone exposed to the coronavirus must self-quarantine for 10 days, while France has reduced their period to 7 days.
“Knowing the immense individual and social impact that even a small reduction in the duration of quarantine can have … I encourage the countries of the region to carry out due scientific process with their experts and explore safe reduction options,” urged the Dr. Kluge.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warned on Wednesday that the number of new cases reported over a 14-day period for the EU, the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom has increased for more than 50 days, with more than half of all EU countries currently experiencing an increase in cases.
The ECDC added that while the growing number of reported cases is partly due to increased testing, it is also due to the relaxation of social distancing and other preventive measures.
WHO Europe has recorded nearly five million confirmed Covid-19 cases and more than 227,000 related deaths.
