The World Health Organization warns that Europe is entering a crucial phase in the fight against Covid-19 with the return to school and the arrival of autumn.
It's time to stop chasing chimeras and make tough decisions to protect the most vulnerable and keep young people in school, even if we have to accept unavoidable sacrifices, said WHO Director of Emergency Situations Michael Ryan.
"Europe is entering a period in which people are beginning to return indoors. "The pressure of infection will increase," Ryan told a virtual news conference.
"Compromises need to be made to keep both young and old in social life," he said. "The only way is for adults to keep a sufficient distance to favor a reduction in infection."
"What is most important? "The return of our children to the classrooms or the opening of nightclubs and bars?" He said.
According to the WHO, people under the age of 20 account for less than 10% of cases and less than 0,2% of deaths. Schools should be closed only "as a last resort" in areas with a very strong coronavirus transmission, said the director general of the Tentros organization, Ananom Gebregesous.
Source: RES-EAP