WHO "COVID-19 Currently Leading Cause of Death in Europe"

"Up to 700,000 Additional COVID-19 Deaths Possible in Europe by March Next Year"
"Mask Wearing and Social Distancing Must Be Maintained"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that COVID-19 is the leading cause of death in Europe and that approximately 700,000 more deaths could occur in Europe by March next year.

According to CNBC on the 23rd (local time), the WHO European Office estimated that based on the current trend, the cumulative number of COVID-19 deaths in the European region could reach 2.2 million by March next year.

The current cumulative death toll in the region is 1.5 million.

WHO classifies the European region as 53 countries, including Russia and some Central Asian countries.

WHO stated that the number of COVID-19 deaths in this region last week was about 4,200 per day, doubling from 2,100 per day at the end of September. WHO added that COVID-19 is currently the leading cause of death in Europe and Central Asia.

Earlier, the number of COVID-19 infections in the European region began to increase sharply from September. At that time, the 7-day average of new confirmed cases was 1.1 million, but by the end of November, it surged to 2.4 million, according to WHO.

This accounted for 67% of the world's new confirmed cases at that time.

In particular, in Germany, as of the 22nd, the daily average number of confirmed cases over the previous 7 days exceeded 51,000, marking a record high.

In Russia, during the same period, the daily average number of deaths reached 1,218, setting an all-time high.

Meanwhile, countries are gradually reintroducing quarantine measures.

Austria has implemented a full lockdown starting this week, banning all outings except for commuting, grocery shopping, and exercise. Additionally, from February 1 next year, Austria will enforce mandatory vaccination and impose fines on the unvaccinated.

The Netherlands has also implemented partial lockdown measures, banning operations of some entertainment venues and restaurants and prohibiting spectators at sports events.

WHO added that among the 53 countries in the European region, 49 countries are expected to experience high or extreme pressure on intensive care units between now and March 1 next year.

WHO analyzed that the recent spread of COVID-19 is due to a combination of the highly transmissible Delta variant, insufficient vaccination rates, and the relaxation of restrictions such as mask-wearing and physical distancing.

WHO warned that with the winter season approaching and indoor gatherings expected to increase, the spread of COVID-19 could worsen.

Hans Kluge, head of the WHO European Office, emphasized the need to adopt a "vaccine plus" approach to live with the virus and continue daily life, urging the maintenance of quarantine rules such as vaccination, social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand washing.

WHO also requested European countries to expand booster shot vaccinations targeting healthcare workers and the elderly aged 60 and above.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.