WHO, "COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted in Europe... New Cases Increasing"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunju Lee] The World Health Organization (WHO) pointed out that new COVID-19 cases are increasing in the European region following the lifting of COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

According to the weekly COVID-19 situation report published by WHO on the 5th (local time), the number of new COVID-19 cases worldwide from the 26th of last month to the 2nd of this month was 2,947,112, a 6% decrease compared to the previous week. However, in Europe, 1,535,276 cases were confirmed, marking an 8% increase compared to the previous week.

WHO attributed the increase in cases in Europe partly to the lifting of most COVID-19 prevention measures, such as mandatory mask-wearing and entry-exit restrictions.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said at a press conference the day before, "European countries are not implementing measures to limit the spread of the virus. As the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors, COVID-19 cases are increasing."

He also urged countries worldwide to strengthen COVID-19 diagnostic testing and epidemiological tracing efforts and to continue vaccinating high-risk groups.

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