Omicron Strains Drive New Covid Wave in Europe as Measures Fall Away

BRUSSELS – A wave of Covid-19 infections, fueled by two hyperinfectious Omicron subvariants, is moving rapidly across Europe, causing a surge in cases and hospitalizations in countries that halted most preventive measures against the virus ahead of the summer months.

European governments have scrapped many strategies to contain Covid-19, such as mask requirements, mass testing and so-called Covid passports, as their focus shifts to economic recovery and the war in Ukraine. A recent McKinsey poll shows that less than 12% of the population in Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Spain see the pandemic as a top concern.