The Omicron strain raids The epidemic in Europe has worsened

London, December 6 (Xinhua) -- Roundup: The outbreak of the European epidemic has worsened

Xinhua News Agency

For Europe, which has once again become the "epicenter" of the global epidemic since November, the sudden attack of the mutated new coronavirus Amykron strain can be called "worse".

In order to prevent the invasion of the Aumechjon strain, many European countries implemented travel bans at the first time and suspended flights to and from many African countries. However, in just a few days, the Omiljung strain has spread rapidly in many European countries.

In the face of the uncertainty brought by the Olmikron strain to the European epidemic, many European experts have reflected on European epidemic prevention policies and unfair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines around the world.

Overwhelmed

This past weekend, people preparing to go to the Royal Danish Theatre to see the ballet "The Nutcracker" were notified an hour before the performance began: "A considerable number of child actors who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 have been diagnosed with the new crown virus, and the ballet has been regrettably cancelled." For many Danish families, this means that the arrangement for the whole family to watch The Nutcracker is difficult to arrange for the traditional Christmas season project.

Not only Denmark, but also the Christmas plans of people in many European countries have been affected by the epidemic. In the Netherlands, hotels in high-risk areas have received a large number of cancellation requests for Rooms for the Christmas season; in France, discotheques will be closed; in the United Kingdom, whether to host a Christmas party has become a topic of controversy...

In addition to social life, the health care system is even more overwhelmed. The survey shows that the UK NHS is facing "the toughest winter in history". According to the epidemic data released by the British government on the 6th, the country's new confirmed cases exceeded 51,000 on the same day, and the cumulative number of confirmed cases exceeded 10.51 million. French Prime Minister Castell said at a press conference held on the 6th that France is experiencing the fifth wave of the new crown epidemic, resulting in an increase in the incidence of people of all ages in all regions of the country, which brings pressure to "hospitals and medical staff".

It's hard to stop

South Africa first reported to the World Health Organization on 24 November that the Omiljun strain had been detected. The next day, the United Kingdom quickly put several African countries on the "red" list, announcing the implementation of a strict immigration policy from November 26, and the UK's full vaccination rate exceeded 81%, and the enhanced vaccination rate has exceeded 35%. However, England reported two cases of Infection of the Amicoron strain on the 27th.

Data released by the UK Health Security Agency on December 6 showed that the country has reported a cumulative total of 336 cases of infection with the Omiljun strain. British Health Minister Saeed Javid confirmed on the 6th that the case of the Omiljun strain infection was initially related to international travel, but has subsequently spread in the community.

On 26 November, the day WHO listed Omikeron as a "mutant strain to watch", the European Union decided to activate the "emergency brake" mechanism to suspend flights to and from Botswana, South Africa and other African countries. On this very day, Belgium reported the detection of cases of infection with the Omiljun strain. The Omiljung strain then appeared in Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, Romania, the Netherlands, Spain and other European countries, and spread rapidly in Europe.

French Health Minister Verand predicted at a press conference on the 6th that after a few months, the Aumechjong strain will become the main mutant strain prevalent in Europe.

Measures tightened

In addition to the implementation of stricter entry restrictions, many European governments have also re-introduced stricter epidemic prevention measures.

In the UK, mask orders are reinstated after months of suspension; in the Netherlands, restaurants and bars must be closed by 17:00 during a minimum three-week lockdown from November 28; and Germany has tightened social restrictions on unvaccinated people.

Speeding up vaccination is the most important epidemic prevention measure in many European countries. In Spain, mass vaccination sites are reopened; in Greece, from January 16 next year, Greek citizens over the age of 60 will face a fine of 100 euros per month if they refuse to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Some European experts began to reflect on the deeper reasons for the emergence of the Aumechjong strain. Jeremy Hunt, a former Cabinet official in the British government, has criticized the unfair distribution of vaccines globally, describing the differences in vaccination rates between rich and poor countries as a "moral and practical failure", saying the emergence of the Omikeron strain is actually the result of "the failure of Western countries to ensure proper distribution of vaccines around the globe".