WHO: Europe is new epicenter of coronavirus pandemic

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) - Europe has become the "new epicenter" of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief said Friday.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed journalists from the WHO headquarters in a virtual press conference with only himself and other WHO officials present.

“Europe has more coronavirus cases being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic,” said Tedros.

More than 132,500 coronavirus cases have been reported in 132 countries and territories, with over 5,000 deaths, according to the WHO.

Tedros acknowledged that even though COVID-19 has captured the world’s attention, there are countless health issues that people still face every day, such as childbirth, malaria, HIV, AIDS and many others.

The disease can happen in any country and it is a “common enemy,” said Tedros.

Countries need to “detect, protect and treat” to break the chains of transmissions, he urged.