The European Commission has urged member states to prepare for a resurgence of Covid-19 this autumn and winter warning “the pandemic is not over”.
The EC proposed a series of measures “as the virus continues to circulate in Europe and beyond”, noting the occurrence of a “Covid-19 summer wave driven by [variants] Omicron BA.4 and BA.5”.
In a statement, the EC warned: “Member states have lifted most restrictions and populations are experiencing pandemic fatigue, which could lead to changes in behaviour.
“This makes it easier for the virus to circulate rapidly, opening the door to the emergence of new variants that could evade immunity, spread more easily, or cause more severe disease.”
It warned: “It is possible the costly gains made in response to the pandemic could be lost if the virus is not controlled and further infections not prevented.”
European Commissioner for health and food safety Stella Kyriakides said: “The pandemic is still very much with us. We must act now to avoid another surge of serious Covid-19 cases.
“It is crucial that all member states have robust vaccination strategies in place to prepare for the autumn and winter, including for the roll-out of newly authorised, adapted booster vaccines.
“Vaccination gaps must be closed as a matter of priority. It is essential that resilient surveillance systems are set up to monitor development of the virus, that strategies for the reintroduction of effective public health measures are in place and the capacity of health care systems is strengthened.
“We need to be ready to face another challenging season.”
The EC urged member states to put “the necessary strategies and structures in place to respond to future outbreaks”.
It called on governments to improve vaccine uptake, prioritise additional booster doses for specific groups, combine Covid-19 and flu vaccination campaigns and ensure clear communications to the public.
The Commission also urged the development of vaccination strategies, including use of new vaccines, “in view of the possible emergence of new variants”.
It noted the use of face masks and limits on the size of gatherings “remain a crucial part of the toolbox” and insisted: “It is important member states are prepared to reintroduce public health measures based on clear thresholds.”
However, the EC argued against a return to restrictions on travel, arguing: “Continued efforts to facilitate free movement in the EU remain crucial.”
It gave notice of a proposed revision to a European Council recommendation on travel from ‘third countries’, including the UK, “to take account of the changed epidemiological situation.”
The Commission noted: “To end the pandemic, it remains crucial to support efforts to fight Covid-19 globally.
“The EU will continue working with international partners to ensure rapid development, scale-up and equitable distribution of vaccines worldwide.”
Margaritis Schinas, vice-president for promoting the European way of life warned of “another Covid-19 wave this autumn and winter” and said: “Our actions now will greatly determine the future of the pandemic and the level of immunity that can be built up in the population.
“Member states should continue coordination of preparedness efforts ahead of the next wave and rollout of vaccination programmes.
“Action now will limit the pressure on healthcare systems [and] disruption of economies.”