Europe sees surge in cases since easing of lockdowns, says WHO
Healthcare systems could once again be pushed ‘to the brink’ without effective action, warns WHO
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The number of weekly coronavirus cases reported in Europe has increased for the first time in months, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, said the continent continues to report nearly 20,000 new cases and over 700 new deaths daily as he warned that the resurgence could lead to extreme pressure on healthcare systems in some countries.
Speaking as countries across Europe continue to lift lockdown measures, Mr Kluge said: “Thirty countries have seen increases in new cumulative cases over the past two weeks.
“In 11 of these countries, accelerated transmission has led to very significant resurgence that, if left unchecked, will push health systems to the brink once again in Europe.”
Mr Kluge pointed to Poland, Germany and Spain as countries where fresh outbreaks have been quickly met with effective responses.
Germany expanded a local lockdown to cover hundreds of thousands of people in North-Rhine Westphalia on Tuesday after a large outbreak in a slaughterhouse.
“Where new clusters of cases appeared, these have been controlled through rapid and targeted interventions,” Mr Kluge said.
Europe has seen more than 2.5 million cases of Covid-19 since the outbreak began, according to the latest WHO figures.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments