Pandemic at critical point , says WHO head

THE coronavirus pandemic is at a “critical point” and people need a “reality check” as restrictions are eased, a World Health Organisation (WHO) expert has warned.

Dr Maria van

Kerkhove, head of the WHO’S technical response, told a press conference that vaccinations alone are not enough to combat Covid-19.

It comes as coronavirus restrictions were eased across the UK, with shoppers returning to high streets and drinkers visiting pub gardens in England and non-essential retailers reopening in Wales.

Dr van Kerkhove, urged caution, saying: “We need headlines around these public health and social measures, we need headlines around the tools that we have right now that can prevent infections and save lives.

“We are in a critical point of the pandemic right now, the trajectory of this pandemic is growing. It’s the seventh week in a row where we’ve had more than 4.4 million new cases reported in the last week.

“Everyone has to take stock and have a reality check about what we need to be doing. Take a look at what people are doing and how you are mixing, make sure you are doing the right steps that you can to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”