Europe has recorded its largest ever number of COVID cases since the pandemic began, the World Health Organization has warned.
Across the continent, some 12 million cases were recorded in one week as the Omicron variant “sweeps from east to west,” WHO said.
WHO regional director Dr Hans Kluge said the continent also still has the chance of a “plausible endgame.”
This is based on winter coming to an end, widespread immunity from vaccines and previous infections and the reduced severity of the Omicron variant.
Dr Kluge said: “This context, that we have not experienced so far in this pandemic, leaves us with the possibility for a long period of tranquillity and a much higher level of population defence against any resurge in transmission, even with a more virulent variant. This period of higher protection should be seen as a ceasefire that could bring us enduring peace.”
Referring to disruptions in cancer care for World Cancer Day, Dr Kluge said: “At this point in time, 24 months since COVID-19’s arrival, the health workforce is overstretched and exhausted – repurposed to address the direct impact of the virus. But any respite that widespread immunity provides thanks to vaccination and in the wake of the less severe Omicron, together with the coming spring and summer season, must be used immediately to enable health workers to return to other important health care functions in order to bring backlogs for chronic care services down.
“As we go forward, maintenance of essential health services, including services along the continuum of cancer care – from prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care – must be a component of emergency planning and response.”
The UK yesterday reported 88,171 cases of infection and 321 new deaths of people with the virus.
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