While COVID-19 cases are decreasing in Europe, virus
transmissionis still being reported in most countries, and some
countries are reporting an increase in infections, the European
Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said in its
latest rapid risk assessment, which is specifically dedicated to
areas where the epidemic seems to be in resurgence.
Increase in Several Areas.
It said that there was a 12% decrease in the incidence of new
reported cases in Europe between June 16 and 30, but added that
the trend was not uniform and there was an increase in several
areas.
Testing.
"The reasons vary," the experts wrote. "In some countries, the
increases may reflect increases in testing. Indeed, testing
rates in Luxembourg have increased rapidly over the past weeks
and weekly positivity rates remain very low.
"In contrast, testing rates in Czechia and Romania have remained
stable and there is an indication of an increase in test
positivity rate over time.
Outbreaks.
"A number of outbreaks in specific settings have been reported
recently by countries, which might also contribute locally to
increasing rates. Notably, a number of outbreaks have been
reported in meat processing centres (Germany, Ireland and the
Netherlands) and mines (Czechia, Poland and Sweden)."
Transmission Risk.
The document said that the risk of COVID-19 transmission in
countries reporting an increase is moderate for the general
population, but high for those with defined factors associated
with elevated risk
"The overall risk of COVID-19 transmission further rising in
these countries with observed increase of COVID-19 incidence is
considered high if no appropriate monitoring systems and
capacities for extensive testing and contact tracing are in
place, and if distancing measures are eased when there is still
ongoing community transmission," the document concluded.
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