The Latest: WHO: Europe surpasses 1 million COVID-19 deaths

The Latest: WHO: Europe surpasses 1 million COVID-19 deaths

SeattlePI.com

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GENEVA — A top official from the World Health Organization says Europe has surpassed 1 million deaths from COVID-19.

Dr. Hans Kluge says the situation remains “serious” with about 1.6 million new cases reported each week in the 53 countries that make up its European region.

Addressing recent concerns about vaccines, Kluge says the risk of people suffering blood clots is far higher for people with COVID-19 than people who receive AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine.

Kluge pointed to “early signs that transmission may be slowing across several countries” and cited “declining incidence” among the oldest people. He says the proportion of COVID-19 deaths among people over 80, who have been prioritized for vaccines, had dropped to nearly 30%.

Worldwide, a tally by Johns Hopkins University shows nearly 3 million deaths have been linked to COVID-19 — with the Americas hardest hit, followed by Europe. The United States, Brazil and Mexico have reported the highest number of deaths, collectively, at more than 1.1 million.

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THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

— J&J vaccine to remain in limbo while officials seek evidence

— With 200,000 new infections in 1 day, India skyrockets past 14M virus cases

— French families decry toll of pandemic as nation nears 100,000 deaths

— Bangkok nightlife clusters expose Thailand’s virus stumbles

— Homeless Americans who have been left off priority lists for coronavirus vaccinations are finally getting their shots as vaccine supplies increase.

— A look at which U.S. states are leading at vaccinating and which states are struggling resembles America’s electoral map.

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