London, Europe Brief News – The World Health Organization (WHO) slammed several European countries for lifting coronavirus restrictions too “brutally”.
This came as many European countries are witnessing a rise in cases “likely” caused by a more transmissible COVID-19 strain.
WHO Europe director Hans Kluge said to be “optimistic, but vigilant” about the pandemic’s development in Europe, adding that cases were on the rise in 18 out of 53 states in the region.
“The countries where we see a particular increase are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, France, Italy and Germany,” Kluge said. “Those countries are lifting the restrictions brutally from too much to too few,” he added.
According to the WHO database, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Europe fell sharply after a peak at the end of January, but has been on the rise again since early March. Over the past seven days, more than 5.1 million new cases and 12,496 deaths have been reported in the WHO’s European region.
In France, infections have risen by more than a third in the week since the government ended most COVID restrictions last Monday.
More European countries have announced an easing of COVID-19 restrictions as high infection rates stabilise.
Switzerland has decided to ease measures, including ending health checks for incoming travellers.
Masks and COVID-19 vaccination passes will no longer forced to enter shops, restaurants, cultural venues and other public settings and events.
The requirement to wear masks in workplaces and capacity limits on large-scale gatherings will also end.
