Several countries, including the United States, Japan, have already taken identical measures.
Although Chinese hospitals are overwhelmed and crematoria are overwhelmed, authorities are reporting very few Covid-19-related deaths.
However, the WHO considers that the current outbreak of covid-19 cases in China should not have a “significant” impact in Europe since the variants that circulate in the Asian giant are already present on this continent.
The increase in cases in China “should not have a significant impact on the epidemiological situation of Covid-19 in the European region,” WHO regional director Hans Kluge told an online news conference.
Therefore, Kluge called on European countries to take “proportionate and non-discriminatory” measures for travelers from China.
China said the restrictions imposed by the United States, Japan or EU countries are “unacceptable”, but at the same time it requires covid tests on incoming passengers and continues to largely block international tourists and students.
According to the WHO, Europe is well prepared to deal with covid, thanks in part to the high vaccination rate.
However, it is important to remain alert, added the UN organization, especially in the face of the appearance of new “variants”.
“Based on the lessons learned, we have to be able to anticipate, detect and react in time,” Kluge added.
With information from AFP and Reuters