A member of staff prepares a Covid-19 Pfizer jab
(Picture: PA Wire)A further 700,000 people could die from Covid in Europe by March, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
It would take the total death toll across the Europe region to above 2.2 million in the Covid pandemic.
High or extreme stress on intensive care units (ICU) is expected in 49 of the 53 countries by March, the WHO said.
Already the death toll has surpassed 1.5million in 53 countries the WHO classify as the Europe region.
The WHO has warned Covid was the top regional cause of death.
“Cumulative reported deaths are projected to reach over 2.2 million by spring next year, based on current trends,” the WHO said on Tuesday.
WHO Europe director Hans Kluge urged people to get fully vaccinated and to have their booster shots “if offered”.
“All of us have the opportunity and responsibility to help avert unnecessary tragedy and loss of life, and limit further disruption to society and businesses over this winter season,” said Kluge.
The WHO's European region includes Russia and other former Soviet republics such as Turkey.
Europe has already faced fresh protests across the weekend in Belgium, the Netherlands, Croatia and Denmark over harsher Covid restrictions being put in place.
