Europe now epicentre of the pandemic: WHO

The head of the World Health Organization has said that Europe is now the "epicentre" of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to use aggressive measures, community mobilisation and social distancing to save lives. "Do not just let this fire burn," he said.

His comments came as several European countries reported steep rises in infections and deaths. Italy has recorded its highest daily toll yet.

There were 250 deaths recorded over the past 24 hours, taking the total to 1,266, with 17,660 infections overall.

Spain, the worst-affected European country after Italy, reported a 50 percent jump in fatalities to 120 on Friday. Infections increased to 4,231.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says a state of alert will come into effect there on Saturday for two weeks.

Controls are also being introduced at an increasing number of borders in Europe, in response to rapid spread of the virus.

More than 132,500 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in 123 countries around the world, according to the WHO.

 

Dhaka/Mukul