The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are several factors that allow us to believe that Europe is facing a “unique opportunity” to take control of the coronavirus pandemic, despite the fact that 12 million infections were reported in the last week. in the region.
Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, said Thursday at a virtual press conference on covid-19 that the continent faces the “plausible end” of the crisis, despite the fact that hospitalizations continue to rise. However, the specialist noted that an encouraging factor lies in the fact that the number of deaths is “beginning to stabilize.”
As he said, the “truce” prognosis is based on three factors: vaccination and natural immunity granted by Ómicron; another, the near end of winter with the consequent increase in temperature and, finally, the less seriousness of the conditions caused by Omicron.
For Kluge, this context, which had not been experienced since the start of the pandemic, gives Europe the possibility of having a “long period of tranquility” and a “much higher level of defense of the population against any resurgence of the transmission, even with a more virulent variant”.
However, to reach this “truce” it will be necessary to consolidate and preserve immunity by maintaining vaccination, increasing government supervision and promoting individual responsibility with less government control to limit socioeconomic impacts and intensify surveillance to detect new variants. .
“I think it’s possible to respond to the new variants that will inevitably emerge without reinstating the disruptive measures we needed in the past,” Kluge concluded.
Restrictions coming to an end
Several European countries have announced in recent days the end of the restrictions imposed to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
At the end of January, in the United Kingdom they dispensed with the covid pass and the need for teleworking. In addition, masks are no longer mandatory, although the Government suggested their use to avoid contagion.
For its part, Sweden announced this Thursday that it is ending almost all restrictions, so there will no longer be limitations on public gatherings or vaccination certificates will be required. There will also be no time limits for bars and restaurants.
On February 1, Denmark became the first country to completely eliminate anticovid measures, although the authorities recommended the use of masks and the covid passport in places such as hospitals and elderly care centers.
