'Completely new' strains possible this winter, EU warns

Local

3-09-2022, 22:00

INA - SOURCES

European Union officials and health experts urged governments on Friday to step up measures to curb an expected spike in COVID-19 infections this winter.

The urging comes after the EU's medicines agency approved vaccines from Moderna and BioNTech-Pfizer that have been updated to tackle the omicron subvariant.

The European Commission published a set of concrete measures and strategies for national governments to adopt as the 27-member bloc heads into autumn and winter.

The measures include prioritizing adapted booster shots for higher-risk population groups, as well as trying to close coverage vaccination gaps for those who have not yet received a full dose or first booster — particularly among children who are now eligible for the jab.

Countries have also been urged to maintain vaccination capacities by either reactivating vaccination centers or having general practitioners administer jabs.

While many restrictions concerning wearing face masks in public have been rolled-back, the Commission "strongly encouraged" governments to ensure their use in specific settings, such as public transportation.