"There will be a new wave in the European region unless we remain disciplined," WHO Director for Europe Hans Kluge said during an online press conference.

According to Hans Kluge, it is a situation of rapid evolution, which registered an increase of 10%, with a new variant of concern (Delta), and in a region where, despite the enormous efforts of the countries, millions of people are still not vaccinated.

Kluge recalled that estimates suggest that this variant will be dominant in Europe in August and called for the maintenance of individual precautions as well as health measures to avoid a new wave in the autumn.

The Delta variant of the coronavirus, which is particularly contagious, should account for 90% of new Covid-19 cases in the European Union by the end of August, estimated the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) last week.

This variant, initially detected in India, is 40 to 60% more transmissible than Alpha, according to WHO.

WHO reiterated that the vaccines are effective against the Delta variant, but it is necessary to receive both doses, not just one.

The average vaccine coverage (two doses) in Europe is just 24%, and half of the elderly population and 40% of health workers remain unprotected, highlighted WHO.