The Lancet
Feb 12, 2022 Volume 399 Number 10325 p605-694
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/issue/current

Comment
Offline: Complacency threatens progress against COVID-19
Richard Horton
Hans Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, has been reported as saying that European nations could soon be entering a “long period of tranquillity” as the pandemic abates. Pointing out that mortality from COVID-19 seemed to be plateauing, he suggested the continent was approaching a “plausible endgame” and an “enduring peace”. As WHO’s chief spokesperson for the 53 countries that make up his regional responsibility, Kluge was no doubt seeking to strike an optimistic and encouraging note. But it is disappointing that he took such a narrow geographical perspective about a global pandemic. His words promote a false reassurance that could breed complacency, even conceit…