World Coronavirus Dispatch: European countries 'on brink' of third wave

WHO and European Commission urge countries to keep using AstraZeneca vaccine, Experts warn European countries on the brink of a third wave and other pandemic-related news across the globe

European countries on the brink of a third wave: Experts

Large parts of Europe are at the start of a third coronavirus wave, experts have said, with warnings that the decision to pause the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine over health concerns is likely lead to a rise in cases and a high number of deaths as more contagious new variants account for the majority of cases. A sluggish vaccine programme, hampered by a shortage of supplies, has already been far slower than expected in the Europe. Cases have increased in Italy. On Tuesday, Poland announced a three-week partial lockdown