A United Nations Health Agency official said on Thursday that coronavirus vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) are effective against all types of the virus.
“Public health and social measures can control all types of the COVID-19 virus in the same way”, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe Hans Cluj said at a press conference.
“All types of COVID-19 viruses that have been reported so far respond to available and accepted vaccines”, Added the same source.
Coronavirus cases and deaths are declining in the WHO Europe region, including 53 states extending from the Arctic to the Russian Far East.
Weekly cases in Europe fell from 1.7 million in mid-April to about 685,000 new cases last week, Cluj said, noting a 60% decrease in one month.
“Let’s not make the same mistakes that were made around this time last year, which led to the resurgence of COVID-19 and our health systems, communities and economies once again have to bear the brunt of this pandemic.”, he adds.
As the European region is moving in the right direction, it must keep a watchful eye on the virus that has claimed the lives of about 1.2 million people in the region.
“Last week, the incidence was high in eight countries in the region, with more than 150 new cases per 100,000. The epidemic is not over yet.”The regional head of the WHO said.
While many countries in the European region are currently pursuing tests allowing citizens to access cultural, social and entertainment venues, Cluj recalled that “there is no zero risk”.
He said that only 23% of people in the European region received a dose of the vaccine, while 11% had completed their series of vaccines.
He also explained that neither testing nor receiving vaccines is an alternative to measures such as physical distance and wearing masks in public places or health care facilities.
“Vaccines can be a light at the end of a tunnel – but we can’t be blinded by that light”, Said Cluj.
The Indian version has been identified in at least 26 of the 53 countries in the WHO European region, from Austria to Greece, including Israel and Kyrgyzstan.
Most cases are related to international travel, but are broadcast continuously. “We are still learning the new version, but it can spread rapidly and displace the B.1.1.4 dynasty that has become the dominant dynasty in Europe. “ Cluj said.
