EU COVID Indicators Returned to March Level

The COVID-19 incidence rates are very different in various European countries, from 2 to 176 cases per 100 thousand. The average COVID-19 incidence in the EU has been on the rise for five consecutive weeks, and in some countries has approached the March levels, when the "first wave" of the pandemic was at its height. Director of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control Andrea Ammon stated this, Ukrinform reported. "The virus did not fall asleep during the summer and did not take a vacation. This week, the level of new diseases in the EU, in the countries of the European Economic Area and in the UK was 46 cases per 100 thousand, along with this indicator we were already at the level below 15 cases. Therefore, we see an increase in the incidence, which has been observed for more than 5 weeks. We are almost back to the rates that were observed in March, "- Ammon said. At the same time, she stressed that COVID-19 incidence rates are very different in various European countries, from 2 to 176 cases per 100 thousand. Such indicators, according to her, depend on many factors, in particular on which categories of the population are tested, and on the number of tests carried out. According to her, another important indicator regarding the nature of the disease spread is the hospitalization rate. In most European countries, the number of patients admitted to hospitals with coronavirus has not increased significantly. Against the background of a general increase in the number of positive tests for coronavirus, this indicates that the disease now affects more young people who are easier to overcome it and have "relieved" symptoms. In particular, according to statistics, only 5 percent of disease cases occur within people under the age of 18. The downside of this phenomenon is that the disease within young people and adolescents can go unnoticed, although they can spread the infection without even knowing it. According to Ammon, maintaining the necessary distance between people (especially in industries), and ensuring active ventilation of the premises remains an important factor in containing the disease. If this social distance cannot be ensured, additional measures, in particular the mandatory use of protective masks, should play a decisive role. As reported, the incidence is declining in the Western Hemisphere - it is growing sharply while in the Eastern one. In Europe, serious outbreaks are recorded in France and Spain, and a number of other countries have returned to spring rates, including the UK, Italy and Turkey.