EU experts see some risk of return to lockdown in Covid-19 second wave

(LONDON) The risk of a second wave of COVID-19 infections big enough to require European lockdowns to be reimposed is moderate to high, EU health experts said on Friday, and depends on the gradual easing of restrictions and how people stick to them.

A pandemic risk assessment by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control also predicted a moderate pick-up in infection rates in the coming weeks, although it said transmission has passed its peak in most European countries.

"The pandemic is not over," ECDC director Andrea Ammon said in a statement accompanying the assessment.

She said that while there are decreasing trends of COVID-19 infections across Europe, efforts are still needed to limit the spread of the disease.

"It is important to comply with recommendations regarding physical distancing and maintain high standards of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette," she said. "Everyone's contribution makes a difference."

The Stockholm-based ECDC monitors and advises on disease and public health in the European Union.

Its assessment found that stringent physical distancing measures imposed by many governments have reduced transmission.