4th COVID-19 Wave Dominates Europe

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported at the end of week #43 (week ending October 31, 2021), the overall epidemiological situation in the EU/EEA was characterized by a high and increasing overall COVID-19 case notification rate.

Case notification rates, death rates, hospital and ICU admissions are forecast to increase over the next two weeks.

Case notification rates are currently highest among age groups under 50 years old, but notification rates among older age groups are increasing.

The picture varies considerably between EU/EEA countries.

However, increasing case notification rates and an overall epidemiological situation of high or very high concern are now observed in countries across the EU/EEA.

As an example, Germany reported 33,949 new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infections on November 4, 2021.

Health Minister Jens Spahn declared the fourth wave of the virus was "in full force" across Germany, reported DW news.

ECDC publishes these maps to support the coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, the WHO announced this week it had Listed an 8th COVID-19 vaccine for use globally.