Europe is at the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic once again. The WHO Regional Office for Europe recently issued a statement on strategies that can help reduce the negative impact on the region’s populations and health systems.
WHO Regional Director for Europe stated that while lockdowns cut community transmission and buy health systems time, they also propel mental health-care demand while decreasing hospital attendance for chronic conditions. The indirect impact also has a high economic cost and therefore the office considers them a last-resort option.
Among further WHO/Europe recommendations were generalized wearing of masks, working from home, restricting large gatherings and limiting access to gathering areas in order to preserve livelihoods. Support for frontline health workers, including psychosocial support or child care, are also key.
Continuous adaptation of countries’ testing and tracing is needed so they can be used in a targeted way for maximum impact, focusing on the events that trigger highest spread within communities.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Read more about WHO’s response to COVID-19