China’s surge not a cause for concern ‘at this time’ says WHO, as XBB.1.5 virus spreads — Global Issues
doctor Hans KlugeThe head of the World Health Organization in Europe, explains that this is because two variants circulating in China are already present in European countries, according to data provided by the Chinese authorities.
“We share the current view of the European Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) that the ongoing increase in the epidemic in China is not expected to have a significant impact on the economy. COVID-19 epidemiological situation in the WHO European Region at this time.”
Restrictions ‘not unreasonable’
The WHO The senior official acknowledged that China had shared virus sequencing information, but he called for more “detailed and regular information”, especially regarding local epidemiology and variables. can “to better assess the developing situation”.
Dr Kluge also said that European countries’ travel restrictions for visitors from China are “It’s not unreasonable…while we’re waiting for more details shared through publicly available databases”.
But he said that it is important that travel precautions are being put in place by European countries.”is rooted in science, balanced and non-discriminatory“.
temporary visa
The message came as Chinese embassies suspended issuing new visas to South Koreans and Japanese visitors on Tuesday. The announcement covers tourist, business and certain other visas.
The move appears to be in response to the COVID-19 testing requirements these countries recently imposed on travelers from China.
A notice posted in Seoul said the ban would continue until South Korea lifted “discriminatory entry measures” against China.
At least ten countries in Europe, North America and Asia have announced new virus testing requirements for travelers from China, with officials expressing concern about a lack of complete information. about the rapidly spreading virus outbreak in China.
UNICEF/Bruno Amsellem/Divergence
A three-year-old child stays at home in Lyon, France, during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Warning against complacency
In his next two messages to the WHO European Region, Dr Kluge warned that countries were drastically reducing their surveillance capacity for COVID-19.
During the first 5 weeks of 2022, information on the variation of 1.2 million cases was submitted as part of weekly surveillance data to WHO and ECDC.
However, this number has dropped to about 90,000 cases in the last five weeks of the year.
Dr Kluge stressed that countries must build on the lessons learned over the past three years and be able to predict, detect and respond promptly to SARS-CoV-2 and any other health threats. What a new health.
Spread XBB.1.5
He commended European countries, including Denmark, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, for maintaining robust genomic surveillance, and pointed out that their recent data have begun to show an increasing presence. growth of the new gene. The recombinant virus XBB.1.5, derived from the Omicron variant, has spread rapidly throughout the United States.
The New strains are being selected in small but increasing numbersand we are working to assess its potential impact,” he said. “With many countries grappling with overburdened health systems, shortages of essential medicines and an exhausted health workforce – we can’t take more pressure on our health system.”
Finally, Dr Kluge called on countries across Europe and Central Asia to step up efforts to devise effective strategies to combat the spread of COVID-19 and avoid complacency.
