Staying safe from COVID-19 during winter

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission on 2 December 2020, setting out a strategy for sustainably managing the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic over the winter months, a period that can bring a risk of increased transmission of the virus owing to specific circumstances such as indoor gatherings.

Further information:

The strategy recommends continued vigilance and caution throughout the winter period and into 2021, when the roll out of safe and effective vaccines is set to occur. A coordinated EU-wide approach is seen as key to provide clarity to people and avoid a resurgence of the virus linked to the end of year holidays. It argues that any relaxation of measures should take into account the evolution of epidemiological situation and sufficient capacity for testing, contact tracing and treating patients.

The recommended control measures include:

• Physical distancing and limiting social contacts;
• Testing and contact tracing;
• Safe travel;
• Healthcare capacity and personnel;
• Pandemic fatigue and mental health;
• National vaccination strategies.

This Communication builds on previous recommendations such as the European Roadmap on lifting containment measures, the Communication on Short-term EU health preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks and the Communication on additional COVID-19 response measures.

Official

European Commission: Press Release, 02/12/2020: Coronavirus: Commission presents “Staying safe from COVID-19 during winter” strategy https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_2254

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