Thread by @WHO_Europe

🎥🔴 Watch LIVE as @hans_kluge and experts from WHO/Europe provide a situation update on #COVID19 in the European Region before answering questions from journalists pscp.tv/w/c6wo8DFwempN…

A ten-week decline in number of COVID-19 cases in the 53 countries in the WHO European Region - has come to an end. @hans_kluge

Last week, the number of cases rose by 10%, driven by increased mixing, travel, gatherings, and easing of social restrictions. This is taking place in the context of a rapidly evolving situation - @hans_kluge

- a new variant of concern - the Delta variant - and in a Region where despite tremendous efforts by Member States, millions remain unvaccinated. @hans_kluge

Delta overtakes alpha very quickly through multiple and repeated introductions, and is already translating into increased hospitalizations and deaths. By August, the WHO European Region will be “delta dominant”. @hans_kluge

But, by August, the region will not be fully vaccinated (63% of people are still waiting for their first jab); and in August the WHO European Region will still be mostly restriction-free, with increasing travels and gatherings. @hans_kluge

The 3 conditions for a new wave of excess hospitalizations and deaths before the autumn are therefore in place: new variants, deficit in vaccine uptake, increased social mixing; and there will be a new wave in the WHO European Region … @hans_kluge

… unless we remain disciplined, and even more so when there is much less rules in place to follow -
… and unless we all take the vaccine without hesitation when it is our turn. @hans_kluge

Vaccines ARE effective against the Delta variant. Not one dose but two doses. Delays in getting vaccinated cost lives and economies, and the slower we vaccinate, the more variants will emerge. @hans_kluge

We see many countries doing well, but the truth is that the average vaccine coverage in the region is 24% only, and more serious, half of our elders and 40% of our health care workers are still unprotected. @hans_kluge

That’s unacceptable; and that is far from the recommended 80% coverage of the adult population.

With these figures, nowhere is the pandemic over, and it would be very wrong for anyone – citizens and policy makers - to assume that it is. @hans_kluge

Today, I am not here to cold shower any EURO 2020 fan or anyone’s holidays, but before we watch our players, and before we all pack and go for some well-deserved rest near home or far away, it is my imperative to give three messages:
@hans_kluge

If you decide to travel and gather, assess the risks carefully and do it safely, keeping all life-saving reflexes of masks and self-protections especially indoor and in crowds. @hans_kluge

Take the jab, don’t think twice, take it; for you and for the others.

And, bring the vaccines to our most vulnerable ones first.
@hans_kluge

COVID-19’s trajectory in the coming weeks & months - whether we are to see a resurgence, whether schools are able to open their doors for our children -
@hans_kluge

- depends on the decisions & actions of us as individuals, communities, and as governments we will take now and during the weeks ahead.

The stakes are still high, but let us remember, solidarity pays off! @hans_kluge