WHO fears 700,000 more deaths by March

The World Health Organization (WHO) said yesterday it feared Covid deaths in Europe would rise from the current 1.5 million to 2.2 million by March 2022 if the current trend continues.

It said it expected "high or extreme stress in intensive care units (ICUs) in 49 out of 53 countries between now and March 1, 2022," adding that "cumulative reported deaths are projected to reach over 2.2 million by spring next year."

WHO Europe, which is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, also cited growing evidence of a decline in protection against infection and mild disease through vaccines, and said a "booster dose" should be given as a priority to the most vulnerable populations - including people with weakened immune systems - as well as people over age 60 and health care workers.

The European region, which stretches deep into central Asia, reported that deaths due to Covid-19 rose to nearly 4,200 per day last week - a doubling of levels recorded at the end of September.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn yesterday called for further restrictions as the country's rate of infections hit a record high and more politicians backed compulsory vaccinations, reports AFP.

Belgium and the Netherlands are still reeling from clashes that rocked weekend protests against new anti-Covid measures.

Europe's return to the pandemic's epicentre has been blamed on a sluggish vaccine uptake in some nations, the highly contagious Delta variant and colder weather moving people indoors again.