Today, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is providing an update on the current status of COVID-19 transmission in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA), the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, and public health considerations for Autumn 2023.
In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in signals of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the EU/EEA, deviating from previously very low levels. Several factors have contributed to this increase, including large gatherings and increased travel. Additionally, there have been reports of waning levels of immunological protection against infection, although severe disease remains well protected against in the general population.
SARS-CoV-2 continues to acquire mutations that enable its circulation at unpredictable times throughout the year. Recent transmission increases have coincided with the emergence of Omicron sub-lineages, particularly the XBB.1.5-like variants.
