Introduction (WHO COVID-19)
With the whole world coming down to a global lockdown, the question is, will it help? The novel COVID-19 claimed around 250,000 lives already in Europe. Spain and Italy are the worst hit by the pandemic. Meanwhile, both countries have reported lower rates of mortality for the last 24 hours.
More than 491,000 people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University. About 118,000 have recovered, while more than 22,000 people have died.
What Does WHO Has To Say? (WHO COVID-19)
Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus strictly clarified that lockdown is just not the answer. He said that in order to break this chain of transmission, the countries need to track down those infected. After tracking them down they need to put them into self-isolation.
Travel restrictions or ban on social gatherings couldn’t be the possible answer to take down this pandemic.
He said that the countries are not taking up any urgent action in the escalation of testing, isolation and contact tracing which is the backbone of the response. “It’s the combination of response that matters”, said Tedros.
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How To Break The Chain?
In his address, he further mentioned that in order to break the chain all the countries must adopt a comprehensive approach. Above all, the most effective way to contain the spread of the virus is to break the chain of transmission. This is possible through tracking and isolation. The pandemic according to him is a wildfire which cannot be fought blindfolded.
What Message Does He Have For Us? (WHO COVID-19)
In his address, Tedros held the message to all the countries fighting the health crisis. He stressed the significance of tests which should be done more for every suspected case. Meanwhile, also to those who have been in contact with the infected people.
He assured that the WHO has currently shipped around 1.5 million tests to over 120 countries. Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead for WHO Health Emergencies Program, added that countries need to increase the number of labs, availability of test kits, and the number of people who can conduct those tests.
