In the European Union, we are experiencing a situation that does not compare to our past experience, when a large part of the European Union countries are lockdown and when citizens need hope and good example. It is a new strain of Coronavirus COVID-19 that has not been previously identified in humans. Clinical presentation of COVID-19 range from no symptoms to severe pneumonia. Today, there is such a strong outbreak of the virus in the EU that we are fighting, among other things, millions of people quarantined by perhaps too small housing and the increasing mortality. All of this has, in addition to all the major negative consequences, an impact on the mental stamina and health of citizens.
ECDC is our key contagious disease management institution. ECDC is closely monitoring this outbreak, providing risk assessment each few days, public health guidance and advice to EU Member States and EU Commission. They are cooperating with WHO and some others health institutions globally. However, it is the responsibility of the Member States to prepare and implement the timeliness of the measures themselves.
Since 31 December 2019 and as of 31 March 2020 , 770798 COVID-19 cases worldwide and 37272 deaths. In EU we have 386000 cases and 26110 deaths in , 30% diagnosed COVID-19 cases were hospitalized and 4% had severe illness. The lates ECDC Risk assessment declares that COVID-19 is currently in EU considered moderate for the general population and very high for older adults and individuals with chronic underlying conditions. The risk of occurrence of widespread in the coming weeks is moderate if effective measures are in place and very high if insufficient mitigation measures are in place. There is also some positive statement from EMA – European Medical Agency, that the vaccine would be available after 18 months. From Wuhan the source of COVID-19 are more information that the live is slowly getting normal after the pandemic.
Cancellations of flights and new empty airports, closed borders,many closed companies,closed universities, schools, kindergartens, cancellation of all sporting and cultural events, life without handling, disinfection of the hands , self-isolation, quarantines, are some measures to help prevent the transmission of the virus to the uninfected. On the same time they are causing expected economic and social crisis.
But it’s important not to react in a panic manner, but with thought and care at every turn. In the face of this distress that we feel as individuals, as families and as a society. We can also devote time to thinking about what matters in life and what is less important. Coronavirus will change our lives and our habits.
