EU backs investigation into how the WHO handled virus outbreak
The EU has backed calls for an independent investigation to be carried out into the World Health Organisation’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The 27-country bloc joined more than half of the WHO’s member states in pushing for the investigation.
A draft resolution supported by 122 countries said the WHO should launch an “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” of its response to the coronavirus outbreak.
This included assessing “the effectiveness of the mechanisms at the WHO’s disposal” and “the actions of the WHO and their timelines pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic”.
The motion, which is likely to be ratified this week, also called for the source of the virus to be identified, as well as the “route of introduction to the human population, including through efforts such as scientific and collaborative field missions”.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced her support for how the WHO had tackled the pandemic but said countries should “work to improve procedures” at the organisation and ensure its funding was sustainable.
Germany has fared far better than other major European countries, with Berlin reporting more than 176,600 cases, but a little more than 8,000 deaths.
While Germany has begun to ease some restrictions meant to curb the spread of the virus, small protests against government policy took place last weekend in Berlin, Munich and Stuttgart.
On Sunday, about 70 people tested positive for the virus at a home for refugees in western Germany. It was reported that 500 asylum seekers living at the centre need to be tested as a result.
The news angered Green Party member Horst Becker, who said: “We have repeatedly called for blanket testing in these homes”.
“Now we can see that this is happening far too late,” he told the Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger.
Parts of Europe have slowly begun to lift restrictions that in many cases have been in place since March.
Restaurants, cafes and shops have reopened in Italy, one of the countries hit hardest by the outbreak, albeit with social distancing measures still in place.
Spain was also badly affected by the outbreak but officials said foreign tourists could be allowed to return by the end of next month in an effort to kickstart the economy.
In Britain, meanwhile, authorities are expected to delay the launch of a nationwide contract tracing app until next month.
Care homes in the country remain a hot spot for the outbreak, with 38 per cent of all such centres in England reporting cases.