Europe could soon enter a "long period of tranquillity" that amounts to a "ceasefire" in the pandemic, Hans Kluge, the WHO's Europe director said on Thursday.

Kluge said the goal would be achievable due to the less severe Omicron variant, high levels of immunity and the arrival of warmer spring weather.

"This context, that we have not experienced so far in this pandemic, leaves us with the possibility for a long period of tranquillity and a much higher level of population defence against any resurgence in transmission, even with a more virulent variant," he said. "This period of higher protection should be seen as a 'ceasefire' that could bring us enduring peace."