Thread by @WHO

Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros pscp.tv/w/cehQQTI2MTAy…

"More than 15 million cases of #COVID19 have now been reported to WHO, and almost 620,000 deaths.

Although all countries have been affected, we continue to see intense transmission in a relatively small group of countries"-@DrTedros

"Almost 10 million #COVID19 cases, or two-thirds of all cases globally, are from 10 countries, and almost half of all cases reported so far are from just three countries"-@DrTedros

"As we have said previously, political leadership and community engagement are the two vital pillars of the #COVID19 response.

One of the tools governments can use is the law – not to coerce, but to protect health while protecting human rights"-@DrTedros

"Yesterday, WHO, the @UNDP and @Georgetown University launched the #COVID19 Law Lab, a database of laws that countries have implemented in response to the pandemic"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1285989942712315911?s=20

"It includes state of emergency declarations, quarantine measures, disease surveillance, legal measures relating to mask-wearing, physical distancing, and access to medication and vaccines"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1286320670104748035?s=20

"Well-designed laws can help to build strong health systems; evaluate and approve safe and effective drugs and vaccines; and enforce actions to create healthier and safer public spaces and workplaces"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1285950265988993025?s=20

"Laws that are poorly designed, implemented or enforced can harm marginalized populations, entrench stigma & discrimination & hinder efforts to end the #COVID19 pandemic.
The database will continue to grow as more countries & themes are added"-@DrTedros bit.ly/32PJCdH

"The best way to suppress #COVID19 transmission and save lives is by engaging individuals and communities to manage their own risk and take evidence-based decisions to protect their own health and that of those around them"-@DrTedros

"The #COVID19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of billions of people. Many have been at home for months.

It’s completely understandable that people want to get on with their lives"-@DrTedros

"But we will not be going back to the “old normal”. The #COVID19 pandemic has already changed the way we live our lives. Part of adjusting to the “new normal” is finding ways to live our lives safely"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1286321581686493185?s=20

"It can be done, but how to do it will depend on where you live & your circumstances.

It’s all about making good choices.

We’re asking everyone to treat the decisions about where they go, what they do & who they meet with as life-&-death decisions – because they are"-@DrTedros

"It may not be your life, but your choices could be the difference between life & death for someone you love, or for a complete stranger"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"In recent weeks we have seen #COVID19 outbreaks associated with nightclubs & other social gatherings, even in places where transmission had been suppressed"-@DrTedros

"We must remember that most people are still susceptible to this virus. As long as #COVID19 is circulating, everyone is at risk.

Just because cases might be at a low level where you live, that doesn’t make it safe to let down your guard"-@DrTedros

"Don’t expect someone else to keep you safe. We all have a part to play in protecting ourselves and one another"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"1⃣, know your situation. Do you know how many #COVID19 cases were reported where you live yesterday? Do you know where to find that information?"-@DrTedros

"2⃣, do you know how to minimize your #COVID19 exposure?
Are you being careful to keep at least 1 meter from others?
Are you still cleaning your hands regularly?
Are you following the advice of your local authorities?"-
@DrTedros

"No matter where you live or how old you are, you can be a leader in your community, not just to defeat the #COVID19 pandemic, but to build back better"-@DrTedros

"In recent years we’ve seen young people leading grassroots movements for #climatechange and racial equality.

Now we need young people to start a global movement for health – for a world in which health is a human right, not a privilege"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #HealthForAll

The full remarks on #COVID19 by @DrTedros 👇 bit.ly/2CWX6JJ