It appears that Covid may soon end in Europe. The director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe office said the continent is now entering a “plausible endgame” to the pandemic.
According to WHO Europe director Hans Kluge, there is a possibility that Europe will soon report low Covid cases.
“This context, that we have not experienced so far in this pandemic, leaves us with the possibility for a long period of tranquility,” WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told reporters.
“This period of higher protection should be seen as a ‘ceasefire’ that could bring us enduring peace,” he further added.
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Furthermore, Hans Kluge noted that countries across Europe can ensure control of Covid-19 through 3 factors. Firstly, through high levels of immunization due to vaccination and natural infection. Secondly, the virus spreads less in warmer weather, and lastly, the omicron variant has a lower severity rate.
Owing to the upcoming Spring, Europe will experience a long period of tranquility and a much higher level of population defense against any resurgence in transmission. Even if another variant emerges, Kluge said health authorities in Europe should be able to keep it in check.
This context, that we have not experienced so far in this pandemic, leaves us with the possibility for a long period of tranquility and a much higher level of population defense against any re-surge in transmission, even with a more virulent variant @hans_kluge
— WHO/Europe (@WHO_Europe) February 3, 2022
However, Hans Kluge also noted that government should continue its vaccination drive with vaccinations for everyone, even the remotest of areas. Self-protecting behavior and individual responsibility should also be promoted.
Pakistan battles against fifth Covid wave
On the other hand, Pakistan’s Covid cases continue to rise. Another 42 people succumbed to COVID-19 in Pakistan. The new deaths pushed the country’s death toll to 29,372. Moreover, as many as 1,590 coronavirus patients remain in critical condition.
The country reported 5,830 new cases in the last 24 hours after 59,786 diagnostic tests. This placed Pakistan’s COVID-19 positivity ratio at 9.75%.
Pakistan recorded 100,072 confirmed active cases on Thursday, keeping the bar above the 100,000 mark since January 30.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan urged the public to get their COVID-19 booster shots.
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