Statement – COVID-19 update: doing our share, a new horizon with technological and pharmaceutical development, and preserving the rights of children (delivered in Russian)
Statement to the Russian-language media by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
24 November 2020
There have now been over 17.1 million COVID-19 cases and nearly 380 000 deaths reported to WHO, with over 4 million more cases in November alone, in the WHO European Region. In the eastern part of our region, including in central Asia, we continue to see a mixed picture, with different trends reported in different countries. As several countries see significant subnational increases, and as winter approaches, we need to remain vigilant and enhance our efforts to prevent and prepare for a further surge in cases.
In the past 2 weeks, COVID-19 deaths have increased by 18%. Last week, Europe registered over 32 000 new COVID-19 deaths. That’s 1 person dying every 17 seconds in the European Region from COVID-19. I would like to emphasize that every time we choose to follow guidance, stop the spread of misinformation and address denial, we contribute to preventing lives lost due to COVID-19. Right now, an average of 4500 lives are lost to COVID-19 in Europe every day. This is avoidable.
Health and social workers, whom we rely upon to help protect our senior members of society, are under immense pressure. They, and their families, are making huge sacrifices. They need you like never before, to act responsibly and to support them through the tough season ahead.
New weekly cases of COVID-19 decreased from over 2 million the week before last to approximately 1.7 million cases last week. It’s a small signal, but it’s a signal nevertheless.
I firmly believe that there is more hope ahead of us than despair behind us.
Three points today
First, if we all do our share, lockdowns are avoidable. I stand by my position that “lockdowns” are a last resort. The collateral damage associated with lockdowns is significant: including economic repercussions, increased mental health issues, alcohol and substance abuse, gender-based violence and essential health service disruption. Mask use is by no means a panacea, and needs to be done in combination with other measures, but is vitally important for reducing transmission. I advocate for a tiered system, based on levels of seriousness in community transmission, with a set of proportionate measures that could be considered under each one of them. This can better situate government’s actions along a gradient of severity that can go both ways.
Secondly, technologies and pharmaceutical developments are offering us a new horizon. While vaccines won’t stop COVID-19 entirely, and don’t answer all our questions, they do represent a great hope in the war against this virus. In the past weeks, we have heard good news on vaccines. It is at times like these that I am reminded of the immense wealth of scientific and technological expertise and knowledge we possess in the 53 countries of our European Region. However, this promise will never be realized unless we assure that all countries have access to the vaccine market, that it is delivered equitably, that it is effectively deployed and that countries address pockets of vaccine hesitancy.
The recent scientific developments in rapid diagnostic tests (the antigen tests) also provide a valuable option to shift the locus of the pandemic battle from the hospital to households, points of care and the community. To put the people in the centre.
Thirdly, looking ahead, we must ensure safe learning for our children and make sure they enjoy the festive season We possess a wealth of country practices on how to go after the virus without going after people. Many countries across the Region have continued schooling young children by adapting school settings, assuring ventilated rooms, teaching smaller groups and increasing physical distance. These schools have been open for over 100 consecutive days.
WHO remains committed to supporting the countries of Europe to keep primary schools open. Where closures are necessary due to intense community transmission, we ask that children in vulnerable situations and children living with disabilities are prioritized to receive support and to attend in-person teaching.
And for children particularly: a short note on Christmas and the festive season ahead. It will be a different Christmas but that does not mean it cannot be a merry one. During Ramadan, community-based groups found safe solutions for breaking the fast, including virtually or delivering meals to homes for distanced celebrations. A virtual Diwali with free online events run by municipalities across Europe assured safe festivities. Cherish the season, with those close to you. If it’s a larger gathering with friends you miss then postpone that get together until you can safely meet. Make your celebrations with them later in 2021. Despite the cold, if local restrictions permit, gather outside with loved ones. Celebrate, but celebrate safely.
In summary, my three points today:
- If we all do our share, lockdowns are avoidable.
- Technology and pharmaceuticals offer us a new horizon.
- We must ensure safe learning for our children and make sure they enjoy the festive season.
Dear friends, ultimately, these pandemic times are affecting all our lives, but we cannot give up when we have so much to gain. I urge you to hold on, to hope, and make every effort to reduce your personal risk and the risk to the people and community around you for the health and well-being of all.
Thank you.
