22 Jul 2021 | 02:54 PM UTC
Western Europe: Countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 disease activity as of July 22 /update 9
COVID-19 activity continues across several Western European countries and territories through July 22. Maintain basic health precautions.
Event
Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of July 22. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 cases June 24-July 22. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:
Very high risk of transmission:
Andorra
Cyprus
Gibraltar
Isle of Man
Jersey
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Portugal
Spain
UK
High risk of transmission:
Belgium
Denmark
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Greece
Guernsey
Ireland
Liechtenstein
Monaco
Montenegro
Moderate risk of transmission
Austria
Croatia
Estonia
Greenland
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Norway
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland
Low risk of transmission
Albania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Germany
Hungary
Kosovo
North Macedonia
Poland
Romania
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Context
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.
Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.
Advice
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should continue to prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.
Resources
WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base
WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel
US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces
US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress
US CDC Global COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Notice
WHO: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions