Europe: WHO warns continent could top 2.2 million deaths due to Covid this winter

The WHO has said that Europe remains ‘in the firm grip’ of Covid and the death toll on the continent could extend to 2.2 million this winter if the current situation continues.

According to WHO, around 7,00,000 people may die in the coming months, prompting some countries to impose tough restrictions.

Also, WHO expects ‘extreme stress in ICUs in 49 out of 53 countries between now & March 1, 2022.

"Cumulative reported deaths are projected to reach over 2.2 million by spring next year," it added, up from the current 1.5 million.

Covid-19 is the leading cause of death across Europe and Central Asia, the WHO reported, citing figures from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

The rise in Covid cases in Europe was being driven by a highly contagious Delta variant, insufficient vaccination coverage & the easing of covid restriction.

Covid-related deaths increased last week to nearly 4,200 a day, doubling from 2,100 deaths a day at the end of September. .According to WHO data.

The WHO said face masks reduce Covid incidence by 53 percent according to a recent study, and 'over 160,000 deaths could be prevented (by March 1) if universal mask coverage of 95 percent was achieved'.

ALSO WATCH: Germany Covid surge: 'you'll be vaccinated or dead', govt warns citizens