Europe once again at centre of Covid pandemic, says WHO

Cases at near-record levels and 500,000 more deaths forecast by February

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Uneven vaccine coverage and a relaxation of preventive measures have brought Europe to a critical point" in the pandemic, the World Health Organization has said, with cases again at near-record levels and 500,000 more deaths forecast by February.

Hans Kluge, the WHO's Europe director, said all 53 countries in the region were facing a real threat of Covid-19 resurgence or already fighting it" and urged governments to reimpose or continue with social and public health measures.