[Asia Economy Reporter Eunju Lee] The World Health Organization (WHO) pointed out that new COVID-19 cases are increasing in the European region following the lifting of COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
According to the weekly COVID-19 situation report published by WHO on the 5th (local time), the number of new COVID-19 cases worldwide from the 26th of last month to the 2nd of this month was 2,947,112, a 6% decrease compared to the previous week. However, in Europe, 1,535,276 cases were confirmed, marking an 8% increase compared to the previous week.
WHO attributed the increase in cases in Europe partly to the lifting of most COVID-19 prevention measures, such as mandatory mask-wearing and entry-exit restrictions.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said at a press conference the day before, "European countries are not implementing measures to limit the spread of the virus. As the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors, COVID-19 cases are increasing."
He also urged countries worldwide to strengthen COVID-19 diagnostic testing and epidemiological tracing efforts and to continue vaccinating high-risk groups.
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