The World Health Organization's European office has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the risk of Covid-19 is far from over in the region.

Despite the declaration that the pandemic is no longer a global health emergency, the virus remains a significant threat, responsible for nearly 1,000 deaths per week in Europe.

During a press briefing, WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, stressed the ongoing impact of the virus.

"Whilst it may not be a global public health emergency, however, Covid-19 has not gone away," Kluge stated.

Kluge further highlighted that the reported death toll underestimates the actual figures due to decreased reporting by some countries.

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"Close to 1,000 new Covid-19 deaths continue to occur across the region every week, and this is an underestimate due to a drop in countries regularly reporting Covid-19 deaths to WHO," Kluge added.

Covering a vast expanse of 53 countries, the WHO's European region includes nations in central Asia.

Kluge urged authorities to prioritize vaccination coverage of vulnerable groups, stating that achieving a minimum of 70 percent coverage is crucial to mitigate the virus's effects.

In addition to the immediate threat of Covid-19, Kluge drew attention to the long-term consequences of the virus.

He revealed that estimates indicate approximately 36 million people in the region, or one in every 30 individuals, have experienced the condition known as "long Covid" over the past three years.

Describing it as a complex ailment still shrouded in mystery, Kluge stressed the urgent need for comprehensive diagnostics and treatment

"Unless we develop comprehensive diagnostics and treatment for long Covid, we will never truly recover from the pandemic," he added.

He called for increased research into this under-recognised condition to safeguard the well-being of affected individuals.

Moreover, the WHO cautioned against complacency in light of the resurgence of other health concerns. Kluge highlighted that 22 new cases of mpox, a highly contagious viral disease, were recorded across the European region in May.

Additionally, the health body emphasized the health impact of heatwaves, urging authorities to implement appropriate measures to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme temperatures.

As Europe continues to battle the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the WHO emphasizes the ongoing threat posed by the virus.