The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on 3 February that with a growing list of European countries lifting almost all of their restrictions on Covid-19, there is hope for a long period of “tranquility” and “enduring peace” in the war against Covid-19 in Europe.
Hans Kluge, the director of WHO Europe, said that with the high vaccination rates, the milder Omicron variant and the end of winter coming, Europe could see a “ceasefire that could bring us enduring peace”.
Hans said that “this context leaves us with the possibility for a long period of tranquillity,” adding that this is an opportunity to take control of the transmission, but that is not to say that the pandemic is all over.
He further added that “Even with a more virulent variant (than Omicron), it is possible to respond to new variants that will inevitably emerge – without reinstalling the kind of disruptive measures we needed before.”
Sweden joined the list of countries lifting their curbs, as the pandemic enters a “whole new phase”, setting 9 February as the date.
Stockholm will see the 11pm closing time for bars and restaurants to be lifted, along with the mandatory limits on the crowd numbers.
Face masks will also no longer be recommended to be put on in public transport.
The Prime Minister of Sweden Magdalena Andersson said that the pandemic isn’t over but they are entering a whole new phase.
Their Health Minister also added that although the curbs will be lifted, they are still vigilant about the progress of the pandemic.