The World Health Organization urges Europe to prepare for a “significant surge” in Covid cases and hospitalisations; Israel prepares for fourth jab after recording first Omicron death
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The World Health Organization’s European chief has warned countries to brace for a “significant surge” in cases as Omicron spreads across the continent.
Speaking at a press conference in Vienna, Dr Hans Kluge said Omicron is now the dominant variant in a number of European countries, including the UK, Denmark and Portugal. He said:
We can see another storm coming.
Within weeks, omicron will dominate in more countries of the region, pushing already stretched health systems further to the brink.
The sheer volume of new Covid-19 infections could lead to more hospitalisations and widespread disruption to health systems and other critical services.
Governments and authorities need to prepare our response systems for a significant surge.
