The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that Europe is likely to experience more than two million COVID-19 deaths by March. WHO stated that the European region remains “in the firm grip” of the coronavirus pandemic with reported daily deaths rising to almost 4,200 a day – double the 2,100 deaths a day at the end of September. Reported deaths from the virus have already passed the 1.5 million mark for the 53 countries.
COVID-19 is the number one cause of death across Europe and Central Asia and WHO states that it expects there to be “high or extreme stress on hospital beds in 25 countries and high or extreme stress in extensive care units (ICUs) in 49 out of 53 countries between now and March 2022.” Cumulative reported deaths are projected to reach more than 2.2 million by spring next year, based on current trends.
Dr Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, stated, “In order to live with this virus and continue our daily lives, we need to take a ‘vaccine plus’ approach. This means getting the standard doses of vaccine, taking a booster if offered, as well as incorporating preventive measures into our normal routine. Taken together, wearing a mask, washing hands, ventilating indoor spaces, keeping physical distance and sneezing into your elbow are simple, effective ways of gaining control over the virus and keeping societies going.”
