In 24 European countries, between the beginning of March and the end of May, about 159,000 more people died than usual during that time frame.
A “significant portion” of that number is linked to the new coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday.
“What we have seen very clearly is that the spike in deaths has to do with the transmission of Covid-19,” said Katie Smallwood of WHO.
She stressed that countries that are currently easing corona measures should primarily be able to “trace and test” the coronavirus to keep a second wave at bay.
For example, the WHO states that opening bars, companies and discos can bring new risks. To cope with that, a country’s health care system must have “robust capability”.
In Europe, more than 2 million people have been infected with the coronavirus for the time being. At least 175,000 died from the consequences.