Europe could record half a million COVID deaths by March 1, WHO official warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that a surge in COVID-19 deaths in Europe could get worse if response to the crisis isn’t stepped up. WHO’s Europe director Dr Hans Kluge said COVID-19 has become once again the leading cause of mortality in the continent and warned of another half a million deaths by March 1 amid a record surge in new cases. The WHO official said he is “very worried” as winter, low vaccination coverage and the highly transmissible Delta variant push infections to new highs.

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“We know what needs to be done,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today program.

Kluge called for paying more attention to ventilation and new treatment protocols to tackle the rise in infections.

“As we head towards the end of 2021, the #COVID19 situation across the European Region is deeply concerning,” Kluge tweeted on Saturday. “But we have the tools to manage transmission, save lives and keep societies open.”

In another tweet, Kluge urged people to get vaccinated, wear masks in “crowded, closed, confined spaces.” People should also cover coughs and sneezes, maintain social distancing and wash their hands regularly, he added.

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Kluge’s warning comes as several European countries have announced stricter measures to contain COVID-19.

Austria on Friday became the first European country to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for its entire population. A full national lockdown from Monday will last a “maximum of 20 days,” Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said, triggering protests in capital Vienna.

Netherlands and Belgium also saw protests over tightened COVID-19 restrictions.

In Germany, Munich’s iconic Christmas market has been cancelled for the second year in a row, while unvaccinated people have been barred from entering theatres, restaurants and bars in Berlin.