Europe expected to be Delta dominant by Aug, warns WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe is expected to be Delta dominant by August, adding that increased mixing, travel, gatherings, and easing of social restrictions have ended a 10-week decline in the number of new Covid-19 cases across the continent.

Last week, the number of cases rose by 10 per cent. This is taking place in the context of a rapidly evolving situation, a new variant of concern, the Delta variant, and in a region where despite tremendous efforts by the member states, millions remain unvaccinated, the WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge said at an online press conference in here on Thursday.

He noted that the Delta variant overtakes the Alpha very quickly through multiple and repeated introductions, and is already translating into increased hospitalisations and deaths, reports Xinhua news agency

The WHO European Region, according to Klug, is expected to be Delta dominant by August.

He also warneds that new variants, deficit in vaccine uptake and increased social mixing would cause a new wave of excess hospitalisations and deaths before the autumn in the region.

To counter the expected upsurge, Kluge again called upon the region to remain disciplined and for citizens to take up vaccines when offered.

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