The Commissioner for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission, Stella Kyriakides, called on the 27 member states of the Union to use the summer to prepare for a new wave of coronavirus infections in the fall and winter.
–Â Given the possible worsening of the epidemiological situation, it is crucial to maintain vigilance – said Kiriakides, reports EURACTIVE .
She added that the summer months must be used to take the necessary actions in public health for the next phase of the pandemic in the fall and winter.
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People in Europe are enjoying a summer without the restrictions that have been in place for the past two years, but efforts to contain the pandemic must continue, she said.
She called for increased efforts in the application of the first doses and supplementary vaccines – boosters, then for the preparation of the future vaccination campaign against omicron variants, as well as for monitoring and testing throughout the year.
Health authorities should have everything ready for a safe return to work and school after the summer holidays, she said.