London: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of “alarming rates of transmission” of COVID-19 cases across Europe, pointing out that the number of cases in September “should serve as a wake-up call for all of us.”
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge said in an online press conference, “although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region”.
WHO also recommended against changing the 14-day quarantine period.
“Our quarantine recommendation of 14 days has been based on our understanding of the incubation period and transmission of the disease. We would only revise that on the basis of a change of our understanding of the science,” Senior Emergency Officer of WHO Europe, Catherine Smallwood said.
France has reduced the self-isolation time to 7 days, while the UK has reduced it to 10.
Director Kluge pointed out that strict measures in many European countries helped reduce cases to an all-time low in June.
However, he acknowledged that Europeans were experiencing COVID-19 “fatigue”, but recommended authorities to “focus on reducing harm, where and when possible.”
“Engage the youth in finding new and safe ways to be social,” Kluge advised.
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