Copenhagen: One out of 10 infections with COVID-19 are in healthcare workers impacting the global ability to respond to the new coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
"This is particularly concerning to all of us," said Dr. Hans Kluge, the WHO's Regional Director for Europe at a briefing in Copenhagen.
"As of yesterday (Wednesday), Italy reported 6,200 infected healthcare workers and we must all take action to protect these courageous individuals as best as we can," he added.
Kluge said the rate of increase of COVID-19 had been particularly marked in four of the five countries with the highest number of cases: Spain, France, Germany and Switzerland.
The WHO European region has reported over 2,20,000 cases and 11,987 deaths associated with COVID-19.
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"This means that globally, roughly six out of 10 every case and seven out of 10 every deaths are reported from our region," Kluge added.
Kluge said that despite the seriousness of the situation there were encouraging signs with Italy which has the highest number of cases in Europe, starting to see a slightly lower rate of increase.
He cautioned, though, that it was still too early to say that the pandemic is peaking in that country.
The new coronavirus has caused a global pandemic that has sickened at least 4,80,446, killed 21,571 worldwide, crippled economies and forced restrictions on the movement of millions of people to stop the virus from spreading further and overwhelming health care systems.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness including pneumonia and death.
(With inputs from AP)
