Appears reassuringly World Health Organisation on the outbreak of the coronavirus in China. As pointed out, the variants of the virus circulating in Chinese territory are already present on the European continent.
“The current increase in China should not have a significant impact on the epidemiological situation of Covid-19 in the European zone,” said the Director of the WHO European Agency, Hans Kluge during an online press conference. He called on European countries to take “proportionate” measures that “will not introduce a discriminatory regime” against travelers from China.
The European Union strongly urged its member states last week to make travelers a mandatory test for the virus to be carried out in China, with negative tests supplemented by “sample tests” after arrival on European soil.
“It is not unreasonable for countries to take precautionary measures to protect their populations while we await more detailed information” from China. “However, these measures must be scientifically justified,” added Hans Kluge.
According to the WHO, the 53 countries included in the European zone, which also covers central Asia, are well equipped to deal with Covid due to high vaccination rates.
“At the beginning of 2023, the region is in a very good position. We have high population protection, partly thanks to waves of natural disease, but mostly thanks to general excellent adherence to vaccinationsaid Catherine Smallwood, WHO-Europe Emergencies Manager.
Session on 27/1 – Does Covid still warrant a state of emergency?
However, it is important to have a high degree of oversight, the agency warns. “After years of pandemics, when many countries are faced with overburdened health systems, with shortages of essential medicines and an exhausted health staff, we cannot allow new pressures on health systems,” warned Hans Kluge.
“Such a threat could come from a new worrisome variant, anywhere and anytime – whether in Europe or central Asia. Based on what we have been taught, we must be able to anticipate, detect and react in time.”
A WHO committee will meet on January 27 to decide whether its pandemic Covid-19 still, three years later, constitutes a global emergency, announced a representative of the organization.
The WHO’s Emergency Committee advises director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who decides whether to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Source: News Beast
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