A new wave of Covid-19 is sweeping across Europe driven by Omicron mutations, an EU Medicines Agency official has warned.

Head of vaccines at the agency, Marco Cavaleri, has said “the increase in transmission among older age groups is starting to translate into severe disease”.

The increase in the number of people testing positive is being driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 mutations of the Omicron variant.

In April, the EMA advised people aged over 80 to get a second vaccine booster. Now, they recommend people aged between 60-79 and medically vulnerable of any age to get the booster.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mr Cavaleri said: “As this new wave is unfolding over the EU, it is essential to maintain protection of vulnerable groups and avoid any postponement of vaccination.”

Most coronavirus restrictions have been dropped across Europe and many people are using the summer to take a holiday for the first time since the pandemic began.

On June 30, the World Health Organisation said the number of new cases globally had risen 18% in the previous week, with more than 4.1 million cases reported.

China’s first COVID-19 vaccine mandate to be introduced in Beijing

Government may need to rethink its strategy on living with COVID if summer surge continues

Number of people with COVID in UK rises 32% to almost 2.3 million

Latest statistics from the ONS show that one in 30 people in the UK had the virus in the week to 24 June, which is an increase of 32% on the week before.

The UN health agency said in its latest weekly report on the pandemic that the worldwide number of deaths remained relatively similar to the week before, at about 8,500. 

COVID related deaths increased in three regions: the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Americas.

Related posts:

India records 200,000 deaths with coronavirus Two Spanish journalists and Irish citizen killed in Burkina Faso attack Why has No 10 had to defend PM’s meeting with Viktor Orban? Thousands protest across Brazil over Bolsonaro’s handling of COVID Female Afghan MP doubts Taliban will to stick to women’s rights promises Polish Olympian auctions silver medal to pay for baby’s lifesaving heart surgery ‘It’s time to end this war’: US president promises to get Americans home but admits ‘cannot promise’ final outcome Israel to offer fourth COVID vaccine dose to over-60s, saying it is first nation set to roll it out At least six people dead in stampede outside African Cup of Nations football game ‘No reason to panic’: Ukraine’s leaders appeal for calm – as Russia makes combat readiness inspections near border Angelina Jolie visits Ukraine to speak with refugees Russian bid to host Euros in 2028 is thrown out