Europe is too tense WHO recommends people wear masks when visiting home

The recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) was made in the context that the UK, Germany and France recorded a record high number of infections and deaths and many countries continued to tighten epidemic control during the Christmas holiday. .

Europe is too tense WHO recommends people wear masks when visiting home

According to AFP news agency on December 17, Germany recorded 952 deaths and nearly 28,000 infections in the first day of applying the blockade policy. The measures, which include closing schools and non-essential shops, show the focus of Europe’s largest economy on fighting the COVID-19 epidemic. The country is expected to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from pharmaceutical company Pfizer and its partner BioNTech on December 27.

Meanwhile, Britain added 618 deaths and more than 25,000 new infections in a day, while France recorded 289 deaths with more than 17,000 new infections on December 16, a sharp increase from more than 11,000 cases the previous day.

The epidemic situation is tense in Europe as Europeans prepare to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

However, a recent WHO recommendation warns that “increased gatherings of people of all age groups, families, religious groups and friends … carry a great risk of increasing COVID-19 infection in the future.” upcoming holiday season”.

According to the WHO, communities across Europe should not hold religious activities, celebrations, holiday markets and limit community events. Permitted events should take place outdoors and limit the number of participants.

In addition, WHO reminds Europeans to be careful in gatherings with friends and family.

“It can be a little odd to wear a mask and keep your distance around family and friends, but it does a big part to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Vulnerable people, elderly relatives or friends may find it difficult to ask others to keep their distance no matter how anxious they may be. Consider the feelings of others and their difficulties,” the WHO said.

European countries continue to tighten epidemic control. The latest, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on November 16 said the country will be completely locked down during Christmas and New Year.

In a televised speech on November 24, local time, Mr. Macron outlined a 3-step reopening plan, under which measures to limit the epidemic will be eased in phases on November 28, 15. -12 this year and 20-1 next year.

“We have passed the peak of the second wave. Our efforts, your efforts have paid off. We have reduced the spread of the virus. To date, we are down to 5,000 cases. every day,” The Local newspaper quoted the French president as saying.

Late last month, France had to declare a blockade for 1 month after curfews in many major cities failed to control the epidemic.

French health officials say the country reached the peak of a second outbreak last week. The number of new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and patients requiring intensive care all decreased while the death toll remained stable.

According to Mr. Macron’s plan, this weekend shops will be allowed to reopen with strict medical requirements and operate until 9pm. People can go out to exercise for up to 3 hours a day and can travel up to 20km away from home. Religious activities will be limited to less than 30 participants.

By mid-December 2020, if the number of new COVID-19 cases per day remains below 5,000, the blockade order will be lifted. However, restaurants, cafes and bars will have to close until January 20.

“We must do everything to avoid the third wave, do everything to avoid the third blockade,” Macron said.

However, the French president said people will be allowed to travel within the country during the year-end holidays to visit relatives and go out to meet people during Christmas and New Year. But due to the curfew, public gatherings will be banned after 9pm.

Mr. Macron also added hope to the people when he said that the country could start distributing a vaccine against COVID-19 as soon as the end of this year if the regulatory agencies can approve it.

“We will organize a rapid and mass vaccination campaign. We will start vaccinating the most vulnerable, like the elderly, as early as late December 2020, early January 2021 at the earliest. “, Reuters news agency quoted Mr. Macron.