The European Union remains vulnerable in the event of a new wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and must prepare to face interaction with the seasonal flu in the fall, the European Commission warned on Wednesday 15 July. “ The virus is still with us and it is still spreading. We must therefore avoid improvisation, ”insisted the vice-president of the institution Margaritis Schinas during a press conference.
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" Increasing outbreaks, located in many Member States, are reported. Preparation is essential, especially before the fall and winter months , ”added Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides. " We need to protect our economies, our societies and our citizens from a new wave, like the one we have seen in previous months, and from the interaction of seasonal flu with Covid-19. I call it a cocktail effect , ”she insisted.
“ It is our responsibility to ensure that we are fully prepared. Now is not the time to let our guard down, "she said, calling on the 27 to" strong and joint action ", with the support of the Commission in their approach.
"Avoid generalizing confinements"
Health is a national competence and the European Commission can only make recommendations, which Ms Kyriakides will present Thursday during a virtual meeting of EU health ministers.
The communication presented Wednesday by the two commissioners insists on the actions necessary to improve preparation and coordination. It advocates support for minorities and the vulnerable and measures to reduce the burden of seasonal flu. " We must protect our economies, our societies and our citizens against a new wave, like the one we experienced in previous months and we must avoid generalizing confinements, " insisted Margaritis Schinas.
The Commissioner declined to comment on the national situations. “Now is not the time to assess what is working and what is not. We are in battle, in action. The time for reviews will come next, "he said.
“ But we learned from what happened. The start of the crisis was not the best moment in Europe. Member States reacted under pressure and took action focused on national priorities. But the observation of interdependence was quickly made after this phase of lack of coordination. People have shown that they expect more from Europe and that is positive, "he concluded.