According to CNN news, WHO figures released late on Wednesday show that despite a big drop in testing, cases in Europe reached 1.5 million last week, up 8 percent from a week earlier. However, the number of cases continues to decline globally. In recent weeks, the number of cases admitted to hospitals in 27 countries as well as the UK has increased.
45% increase in hospitalized patients in the UK
In the week ending October 4, the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 with symptoms increased by 32 percent in Italy, according to data from an independent scientific foundation, Gimbe. Whereas cases admitted to ICU have increased by 21 percent compared to last week. This week the number of people hospitalized from Kovid in the UK has increased by 45 percent compared to the previous week.
The pressure on the health system may increase
Effective vaccines on Omicron were launched in Europe in September. They were effective on BA.1 and BA.4/5. In the UK, only BA.1 effective vaccines were approved. European and British officials are only supporting new booster shots for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Meanwhile, British officials warned last week that the spread of the flu and the return of COVID-19 could put further pressure on the already facing National Health Service.