Copenhagen (AFP)

The World Health Organization (WHO) fears that the Covid-19 pandemic will kill an additional 236,000 in Europe by December 1, expressing concern on Monday about the stagnation of the pace of vaccinations on the continent.

"Last week, the death toll in the region increased by 11%, with a reliable projection predicting 236,000 deaths in Europe by December 1," adding to the 1.3 million deaths already caused by the pandemic on the Old Continent, said WHO Europe director Hans Kluge at a press conference.

Worldwide, more than 4.5 million deaths from Covid-19 have been officially recorded since the start of the pandemic, according to an AFP count from official sources.

In the European region, which stretches as far as Central Asia, countries have seen infection rates increase as the anchoring of the more contagious Delta variant asserts itself, particularly in unvaccinated people. .

In addition to the high transmissibility of the Delta variant, an "exaggerated easing" of restrictions and an increase in travel this summer are behind the rise in cases.

In this context, the European Union decided on Monday to reimpose restrictions on non-essential travel to its territory from five countries including the United States, Israel and Lebanon.

However, Member States retain the possibility of lifting them for people who are fully vaccinated.

Another concern: the pace of vaccinations has slowed.

"Over the past six weeks, it has fallen by 14%, due to a lack of access to vaccines in some countries and a lack of vaccine acceptance in others," Kluge noted. , calling for an increase in production capacity and to overcome nationalist temptations by sharing the doses.

- Strong disparities in Europe -

If three quarters of caregivers in the whole of Europe are vaccinated, in some European countries they are only one in 10, according to the UN organization.

In Europe, only 6% of people in low- and lower-middle-income countries are fully immunized, Kluge said, recalling that the WHO recommended 80% vaccination coverage to turn the page on the pandemic.

According to WHO data, in eight months, nearly 850 million doses were administered in the region.

Covid-19: 4.5 million dead worldwide Kenan AUGEARD AFP

In the area, at least 413.26 million people are fully vaccinated (44.2% of the population), according to an AFP count on Monday.

On the use of a booster or third dose, proposed in some countries in the region, as in Israel or as it will be in Denmark where it will be offered to certain immunosuppressed people, the WHO, which has for the moment asked for a moratorium, does not rule it out.

"A third dose may be needed in the future for specific population groups and / or in specific settings. However, more data is needed on the optimal timing and dosage of booster doses, which may differ depending on the vaccine products, "said a spokesperson for WHO Europe.

- Vaccines for teachers -

For Mr. Kluge, "the acceptance of vaccination by the population is crucial", especially as public health measures have been relaxed in many places.

"Skepticism about vaccines and denial of science are preventing us from stabilizing this crisis. They are useless and good for no one."

At the start of the new school year, WHO and Unicef ​​Europe have called for the implementation of a vaccination strategy intended to maintain face-to-face teaching, considered crucial.

The vaccine against Covid-19 should be "offered to teachers and other school staff as a target group for national vaccination plans," the two organizations said in a statement on Monday.

Health pass control at the entrance of a restaurant in Bordeaux (south-west of France), August 18, 2021 MEHDI FEDOUACH AFP / Archives

Across Europe, the restrictions are disparate.

Thus, the introduction of the health pass took a new step on Monday in France, the pass becoming compulsory at work for 1.8 million employees in contact with the public in restaurants, cinemas, museums, mainline trains, where it is needed. was already required for customers.

© 2021 AFP