WHO Warns Europe Against Lifting Lockdowns Too Early Amid Slight Decline In Coronavirus Cases

Topline

While Europe is starting to see the first early signs that the coronavirus spike across the continent is beginning to ease, World Health Organization officials warn that European countries need to take care to not lift lockdowns too early and repeat the mistakes governments made in the spring that could lead to another surge in cases.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“[Europe] missed building up the necessary infrastructure during the summer months after they brought the first wave under the control,” Nabarro said, according to Deutsche Welle. “Now we have the second wave. If they don’t build the necessary infrastructure, we’ll have a third wave early next year.”

Key Background

While early lockdowns helped stem a spring surge in Europe, countries across the continent began counting increased new infections in autumn after restrictions were pulled back. Last week, the WHO announced the number of new weekly coronavirus cases in Europe had dropped from the previous week for the first time in months, an early but hopeful sign that new lockdowns are working and that the continent’s second coronavirus wave may be beginning to ease. On Sunday, Nabarro pointed toward Asia for examples of countries that have successfully curbed coronavirus outbreaks: Taiwan marked its 200th day of no local viral transmissions last month, while countries like Japan and South Korea have also kept cases low compared to European countries.

Further Reading

Coronavirus: WHO warns of COVID-19 third wave, says Europe failed to learn from Asia (Deutsche Welle)

Europe Finally Sees Coronavirus Case Decrease, WHO Reports (Forbes)

France Sees Slowdowns In New Coronavirus Cases And Hospitalizations, But Holds Back Ending Nationwide Lockdown (Forbes)

Here’s When Experts Say Things Could Get Back To Back To Normal After Coronavirus (Forbes)