WHO warns Europe of a second deadly wave of Covid-19 in winter

A leading World Health Organisation official has said Europe should prepare for a deadlier second wave of coronavirus this autumn and winter

Dr Hans Kluge WHO’s regional director for Europe said despite the fall in the numbers of deaths and infections over recent weeks the UK and its continental neighbours must remain vigilant.

He also pointed to origination of new cases in places where the virus had disappeared such as Wuhan and South Korea.

Dr Hans said the Nation must use the time to strengthen public health systems such as building capacity in hospitals, primary care and intensive care units and carrying out comprehensive contact tracing and testing

He said “Singapore and Japan understood early on that this is not a time for celebration, it’s a time for preparation,”

Also, that without effective treatment or a vaccine the easing of lockdown has to be slow and careful.

Kluge said, “People think lockdown is finished. Nothing has changed. The full disease control package has to be in place. That’s the key message”