Recent data from some countries in the region has begun to point to the increasing presence of XBB.1.5, Hans Kluge, director of the WHO Regional Office Europe, said at an online press conference in Copenhagen on Tuesday. Cases would be discovered in small but growing numbers. We are in the process of assessing the potential impact of this. After three long years of pandemic, further pressure on health systems cannot be afforded.
Regarding the worsening corona situation in China, Kluge shared the current assessment of the EU health authority ECDC that the increase in cases there is unlikely to have a major impact on the epidemiological situation in Europe. According to available information, the variants circulating in China are those seen in Europe and elsewhere.
Protective measures are appropriate
However, one should not become complacent, Kluge said. It is not unreasonable for countries to take precautions to protect their populations. However, states introducing precautionary travel measures must ensure that they are evidence-based, appropriate and non-discriminatory. (SDA)