GENEVA (AP) – A top World Health Organization official says Europe has exceeded 1 million deaths from COVID-19 and the situation remains “serious”, with around 1.6 million new cases reported in the region every week. reported.
Dr. Hans Kluge on Thursday were meant to emphasize that Europe must remain wary of social distancing and accelerate vaccinations as virus variants drive new infections to record levels in some countries.
In all, a census from Johns Hopkins University shows that nearly 3 million deaths worldwide have been linked to COVID-19 – America being the hardest hit, followed by Europe. The United States, Brazil and Mexico have reported the highest numbers of deaths, over 1.1 million.
Speaking to reporters on a visit to Greece, Kluge pointed to “early signs that broadcasting may slow down in several countries” in the European region of 53 WHO countries stretching into Central Asia – citing “declining incidence” among the oldest people.
He said the rate of COVID-19 deaths among people over 80, who have been prioritized for vaccines, has dropped to nearly 30% – the lowest level in the pandemic.
Britain in particular has seen new infections since January and COVID-19 deaths have fallen dramatically as a result of a successful vaccination program and a long-term national lockdown that is only being rolled back in stages.
To address recent concerns about vaccines, Kluge also said that the risk of people getting blood clots is much higher for people with COVID-19 than for people who receive AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine.
“Let there be no doubt, the AstraZeneca vaccine is effective in reducing COVID-19 hospitalization and preventing deaths,” he said, adding that WHO recommends its use for all eligible adults.
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