Covid-19 in Europe: WHO fears 700,000 additional deaths by spring – Franceinfo

The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the“hold” of the Covid-19 epidemic in Europe, which is facing a fifth wave. It could lead to 700,000 additional deaths on the continent, bringing the total number of deaths to 2.2 million by the spring, the United Nations agency warned on Tuesday 23 November.

“Hospital beds can be expected to be under high or extreme pressure in 25 countries and high or extreme pressure in intensive care units in 49 out of 53 countries by March 1, 2022 . Cumulative reported deaths are expected to reach over 2.2 million by next spring, based on current trends. “, explained the organization in a statement.

For the WHO, the increase in cases is explained by the combination of the prevalence of the highly contagious Delta variant, insufficient vaccination coverage and the relaxation of anti-Covid measures. “The situation related to Covid-19 across Europe and Central Asia is very serious. We are facing a winter full of challenges”, said WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge, calling for an approach “vaccine plus”, combining vaccination, wearing a mask, hygiene measures and distancing. Currently, more than 1.5 million people have died from Covid in the region.