Nearly two years ago Europe became the focal point of the COVID pandemic. Today, the virus has made its way around the world and back again, and Europe is once more the epicenter.
Vaccination rates are high in some European countries, but remain stubbornly low in others — particularly in Eastern Europe. That fact, coupled with waning vaccine immunity for those that got their vaccinations early, and colder weather, could be a bitter combination.
In stark contrast to much of the rest of the world, the latest data compiled by Our World In Data shows overall cases, hospitalizations, and deaths rising across Europe.
Back once again.
This week senior officials at the World Health Organization warned that Europe could see a further 500,000 deaths this winter, as colder weather moves people indoors, where transmission is more likely.