WHO worries over Europe virus cases as nations tighten curbs
COPENHAGEN: The World Health Organization on Friday expressed concern over a coronavirus resurgence in Europe as Britain and Austria tightened restrictions and China stepped up testing.
Europe accounts for a fifth of the world’s more than 15 million cases and remains the hardest hit in terms of deaths, with 207,118 out of 633,711 worldwide, according to an AFP tally at 1100 GMT on Friday.
The WHO’S European chapter pointed to rising cases on the continent over the past two weeks, stressing the need for tighter measures, if required.
A three-year-old girl died in Belgium, becoming the country’s youngest known coronavirus victim, in a further wake-up call for a continent which has only recently emerged from strict lockdowns in several countries.
With 335 new cases for 100,000 inhabitants in the last two weeks, Kyrgyzstan is the worst affected country in Europe. Others include Montenegro (207), Luxemburg (196), Bosnia (98) and Serbia (71).
“The recent resurgence in
COVID-19 cases in some countries following the easing of physical distancing measures is certainly cause for concern,” a Who-europe spokeswoman said.
“If the situation demands, reintroduction of stricter, targeted measures with the full engagement of communities may be needed,” she said. ‘MISTAKE TO LIFT MASK USE’ Britain on Friday made it compulsory to wear a face covering in shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets, sandwich shops and supermarkets, following the lead of Scotland.
Exceptions have been made, for example, for children under 11 or people with respiratory problems, but anyone refusing to cover their nose and mouth risks a fine of up to £100.
Austria also made face masks became mandatory again from Friday in supermarkets, food stores, post offices, bank branches and healthcare facilities in addition to public transport and pharmacies.
“It was a mistake to lift mandatory mask use so soon... As a precautionary measure (to prevent the virus’s spread) it is the lesser evil” compared to other measures, a shopper, Andreas Poschenreither, said. — AFP