EUROPE IN FRAGILE SITUATION

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for Europe, has underscored the continued  fragility of the situation in the region due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Half of the countries in this region have seen new cases increase by more than 10% over the past two weeks and said that opening up our societies must not mean letting down our guard.

Thus , he recommended a three-pronged strategy:

·         Stand firm and stay focused on what we know works to hold the virus at bay.

·         Step in swiftly at the first suggestion of local surges.

·         Sign up to be part of a new culture of health.

On my first message, to stay firm and stay focused: In the 6 months we have been fighting this virus, the cornerstone of the public health response has remained clear – to find, isolate, test and care for every person with COVID-19 or suspected of having it, and trace and quarantine every contact.

At home, at work, on holiday, every person must protect themselves and others. We must remember and repeat the golden rules of physical distancing, practising hand hygiene, covering coughs, staying home when sick, wearing masks when appropriate and getting information from reliable sources.

All of us, citizens and leaders, must keep focused on and committed to actively stopping the virus in its tracks.

Second, the virus has not gone away. It will exploit any crack in our defences. The localized surges we have seen across the Region are a clear indication that people’s behaviour determines how COVID-19 behaves.

With summer upon us, more socializing and travel and the return to school and workplaces will increase the risk of a COVID-19 resurgence in the weeks ahead. Additionally, an influenza season is approaching. Vaccinating people at high risk from influenza, and health-care workers, will go some way to reducing the burden on health systems that must also provide care to COVID-19 patients. Risk communications and community engagement are crucial.