Thread by @WHO

Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros pscp.tv/w/cYgVrzI2MTAy…

"There have now been more than four million cases of #COVID19 across the world.

Over the past week several countries have started lifting #StayHome orders and other restrictions in a phased way"-@DrTedros

"Countries put these stringent measures in place, sometimes called lockdowns, in response to intense transmission"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Many have used the time to ramp up their ability to test, trace, isolate and care for patients, which is the best way to track the virus, slow the spread and take pressure off health systems"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"The good news is that there has been a great deal of success in slowing the virus & saving lives.

Such strong measures have come at a cost & we recognize the serious socio-economic impact of the lockdowns, which have had a detrimental effect on many people’s lives"-@DrTedros

"Therefore, to protect lives and livelihoods, a slow, steady, lifting of lockdowns is key to both stimulating economies, while also keeping a vigilant eye on the virus so that control measures can be quickly implemented if an upswing in cases is identified"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"I’ve previously outlined the six criteria countries need to consider before lifting #StayHome orders and other restrictions"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Further guidance was published that outlines the 3⃣ key questions countries should ask prior to the lifting of lockdowns:
1⃣Is the epidemic under control?
2⃣Is the health system able to cope with a resurgence of cases that may arise after relaxing certain measures?"-@DrTedros

"...
3⃣Is the public health surveillance system able to detect and manage the cases and their contacts, and identify a resurgence of #COVID19 cases?

These three questions can help determine whether a lockdown can be released slowly or not"-@DrTedros

"However, even with three positive answers, releasing lockdowns is both complex and difficult.

Over the weekend we saw signs of the challenges that may lie ahead.

In 🇰🇷, bars and clubs were shut as a confirmed #COVID19 case led to many contacts being traced"-@DrTedros

"In Wuhan, 🇨🇳 the 1st cluster of #COVID19 cases since their lockdown was lifted was identified.

🇩🇪 has also reported an increase in cases since an easing of restrictions.

Fortunately all 3 countries have systems in place to detect and respond to a resurgence in cases"-@DrTedros

"Early serological studies reflect that a relatively low percentage of the population has antibodies to #COVID19, which means most of the population is still susceptible to the virus"-@DrTedros

"WHO is working closely with governments to ensure that key public health measures remain in place to deal with the challenge of lifting lockdowns.

Until there is a vaccine, the comprehensive package of measures is our most effective set of tools to tackle #COVID19"-@DrTedros

"In this vein, new guidance was released over the weekend regarding both school and work places reopening"-@DrTedros #COVID19

🏫 bit.ly/2YQO0XK
🏢 bit.ly/2SWRS5H

"On children going back to school, decision makers should reflect on a number of key factors when deciding on whether and how to reopen schools:

1⃣ a clear understanding about current #COVID19 transmission and severity of the virus in children is needed"-@DrTedros

"2⃣ the epidemiology of #COVID19 where the school is geographically located needs to be considered

3⃣the ability to maintain COVID-19 prevention and control measures within the school setting"-@DrTedros

"When reflecting on the decision to reopen schools, the local government should assess the capacity of the schools to maintain infection, prevention and control measures"-@DrTedros #COVID19

bit.ly/2YQO0XK

"Last week, I also spoke to the @ilo and the @ioevoice about the reopening of work places and how to do this safely"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1258362202215649280?s=20

"WHO issued detailed new workplace guidelines, which recommend all places of work carry out a risk assessment for workers potential exposure to #COVID19. This includes the implementation of measures to prevent the spread of the virus"-@DrTedros

bit.ly/2SWRS5H

"Workplaces should develop action plans for prevention & mitigation of #COVID19 as part of their overall business plan.
The plan should also include measures for protecting health, safety & security in re-opening, closing & modifying workplaces"-@DrTedros
bit.ly/2SWRS5H

"Today saw the release of new modeling on #HIV by the WHO and @UNAIDS.
It highlights the importance of taking immediate steps to minimise interruptions in health services and supplies of antiretroviral drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic"-@DrTedros

bit.ly/2SVBsdJ

"The group’s worst case scenario, a 6-month disruption of antiretroviral therapy, suggests that there could be 500,000 extra deaths from #AIDS-related illnesses, including from #tuberculosis, in sub-Saharan Africa over the next year"-@DrTedros #COVID19

bit.ly/2SVBsdJ

"This could effectively set the ⏰ back by more than decade to 2008, when 950K+ #AIDS deaths were observed in the region.
This is an avoidable worst-case scenario & not a prediction. The model acts as a wake-up call to identify ways to sustain all vital health services"-@DrTedros

"Despite attention being focused on the #COVID19 pandemic, we must still ensure that global supplies of tests and treatments for both #HIV and #tuberculosis reach the countries and communities that need them most"-@DrTedros
bit.ly/2SVBsdJ

"Even relatively short-term interruptions to treatment pose a significant threat to a person’s health and potential to transmit #HIV"-@DrTedros #COVID19

bit.ly/2SVBsdJ

"#COVID19 has exposed the uneven distribution of life-saving medical equipment across the world.

Tomorrow, the Tech Access Partnership will be launched to increase local production of essential health technologies – like masks and ventilators - in developing countries"-@DrTedros

"This new partnership is another great example of solidarity that builds on the solidarity flights, solidarity trials and Access to #COVID19 Tools Accelerator, which all aim to ensure the latest health innovations are reaching those communities that need them most"-@DrTedros

"Only together can we get through the #COVID19 pandemic. In national unity and global solidarity"-@DrTedros

The full briefing on #COVID19 by @DrTedros 👇
bit.ly/3dMAYin