The worst of the pandemic in terms of health effects is behind Ireland, and many European countries, Dr Mike Ryan of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme has said. Dr Ryan said Ireland has done a good job of vaccinating its most vulnerable citizens and bending the curve when cases surged in the past 16 months. “For Ireland, and a number of other countries in Europe, the worst in terms of deaths and overrun hospital systems is certainly behind us. What you don’t want to do is ignite another wave of cases but at the same time, society needs to open up,” Dr Ryan said. Dr Ryan’s hopeful message for Ireland is in contrast to Dr David Nabarro of the WHO’s stark global outlook on the current trajectory of the pandemic.

Source: Irish Independent July 09, 2021 18:11 UTC