This week the European Commission (EC) initiated multiple measures intended to control the ongoing phase of the Covid-19 pandemic and prepare for the next one. EC invites member states to execute measures to increase vigilance and coordination in the healthcare sector.
Working together, the European Union has already saved hundreds of thousands of lives thanks to Covid-19 vaccines. Countries have also maintained functionality of the single market and have reduced travel restrictions as much as they can afford. In situations when supply chains were disrupted, EU member states have been able to mobilize production of critically important goods. Coordination will play a major role in the new phase of the pandemic, during which member states much remain vigilant, as reported by European Commission’s representation office in Latvia.
Covid-19 infection level is lower now, and this allows member states to increase disease monitoring and healthcare systems, as well as general preparedness for potential pandemics, the EC notes.
EC invites member states to intensify primary and booster vaccination rates, considering that Covid-19 has started spreading at the same time as seasonal fly. Integrated monitoring systems should be formed as well to ensure acquisition of dependable and representative estimates on Covid-19 infection cases. Additionally, the EC urges countries to continue collecting and testing samples in order to ensure an accurate estimate of the spread of Covid-19 and uncover any new variants. Investments are also proposed to allow the healthcare system to recover and to evaluate the influence of the pandemic on health, mental health, as well as treatment and delays with medical assistance.
The EC also voiced an invitation for EU-wide coordination measures to ensure free and safe travel in the European Union and other countries, support production of next generations of vaccines and medicines, as well as further battle misinformation about Covid-19 vaccines. The EC also invites continuing global solidarity and improving global management.
Additionally, EC has announced activities needed to ensure medicines and critically important products are available in all industrial ecosystems. Additionally, EU FAB has announced a procurement, the point of which is creating production reserves of different vaccines (mRNA, protein and vector type). This way reserves will be used for suture emergencies in the healthcare sector. The procurement is intended for vaccine manufacturers whose factories are located in the EU/EEZ. Applications are free to be submitted until 3 June 2022.