Surge in European Covid-19 cases since lockdown eased - WHO
Germany on Wednesday expanded a local lockdown covering hundreds of thousands of people after a large outbreak in a slaughterhouse
Europe has reported an increase in weekly coronavirus cases for the first time in months, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Hans Kluge, the regional director of the WHO in Europe, said the continent continues to report nearly 20,000 new cases and over 700 new deaths daily as he warned that the resurgence could lead to extreme pressure on healthcare systems in some countries, reports the Independent.
Speaking after countries across Europe continued to lift lockdown measures, Kluge said: "Thirty countries have seen increases in new cumulative cases over the past two weeks,
"In 11 of these countries, accelerated transmission has led to very significant resurgence that, if left unchecked, will push health systems to the brink once again in Europe."
Kluge pointed to Poland, Germany and Spain as countries where fresh outbreaks have been quickly met with effective responses.
Germany on Wednesday expanded a local lockdown covering hundreds of thousands of people after a large outbreak in a slaughterhouse.
"Where new clusters of cases appeared, these have been controlled through rapid and targeted interventions," he said.
Europe has seen 2.5 million cases of Covid-19 since the outbreak began, according to the latest WHO figures.
