The World Health Organisation has said it is “alarmed” about the surge in COVID-19 infections across Europe as the continent battles a fresh wave of the virus.

Robb Butler, executive director for WHO Europe, told Sky News half a million more deaths could be recorded by early 2022 if measures are not taken to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

“We’re very alarmed,” he said.

“We’ve just surpassed, very sadly, the 1.5 million deaths mark last week.

“If we continue on the current course we are projecting a further 500,000 deaths by spring next year.

“That’s really worrisome.”

Mr Butler said only 54% of the population of the 53 WHO Europe region member states are vaccinated, “so there is so much work to be done, still. We are not there yet.”

“It looks like we are going to have a worrisome season ahead.”

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