Thread by @WHO

Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros pscp.tv/w/clMbAzI2MTAy…

"Around the world, we’re now seeing an increase in the number of reported cases of #COVID19, especially in Europe and the Americas.

Each of the last four days has been the highest number of cases reported so far"-@DrTedros

"Many cities & countries are also reporting an increase in hospitalizations & intensive care bed occupancy.

At the same time, we must remember that this is an uneven pandemic.

Countries have responded differently, & countries have been affected differently"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Almost 70% of all #COVID19 cases reported globally last week were from 10 countries, and almost half of all cases were from just three countries"-@DrTedros

"For every country that is experiencing an increase, there are many others that have successfully prevented or controlled widespread transmission with proven measures.

Those measures continue to be our best defence against #COVID19"-@DrTedros

"There has been some discussion about the concept of reaching so-called “herd immunity” by letting the virus spread.

Herd immunity is a concept used for vaccination, in which a population can be protected from a certain virus if a threshold of vaccination is reached"-@DrTedros

"For example, herd immunity against #measles requires about 95% of a population to be vaccinated. The remaining 5% will be protected by the fact that measles will not spread among those who are vaccinated.

For #polio, the threshold is about 80%"-@DrTedros

"In other words, herd immunity is achieved by protecting people from a virus, not by exposing them to it"-@DrTedros
#COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1315675742924165120?s=20

"Never in the history of public health has herd immunity been used as a strategy for responding to an outbreak, let alone a pandemic. It is scientifically and ethically problematic"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"1⃣ we don’t know enough about immunity to #COVID19.
Most people who are infected with the virus develop an immune response within the first few weeks, but we don’t know how strong or lasting that immune response is, or how it differs for different people"-@DrTedros

"There have also been some examples of people infected with #COVID19 being infected for a second time"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1315676303476039682?s=20

" 2⃣the vast majority of people in most countries remain susceptible to this virus. Seroprevalence surveys suggest that in most countries, less than 10% of the population have been infected with the #COVID19 virus"-@DrTedros

"Letting #COVID19 circulate unchecked therefore means allowing unnecessary infections, suffering & death.
Although 🧓👴 people & those with underlying conditions are most at risk of severe disease & death, they aren't the only ones at risk. People of all ages have died"-@DrTedros

"3⃣ we’re only beginning to understand the long-term health impacts among people with #COVID19. I have met with patient groups suffering with what is now being described as “Long COVID” to understand their suffering & needs so we can advance research & rehabilitation"-@DrTedros

"Allowing a dangerous virus that we don’t fully understand to run free is simply unethical. It’s not an option"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1315677338739372037?s=20

"But we do have many options. There are many things that countries can do and are doing to control #COVID19 transmission and save lives.

It’s not a choice between letting the virus run free and shutting down our societies"-@DrTedros

"This virus transmits mainly between close contacts and causes outbreaks that can be controlled by implementing targeted measures"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Prevent amplifying events.

Protect the vulnerable.

Empower, educate & engage communities.

Persist with the same tools that we have been advocating since day one: find, isolate, test & care for cases; trace & quarantine their contacts"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"This is what countries are proving works, every day"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1315677945952960522?s=20

"Digital technologies are helping to make tried-&-tested public health tools even more effective, such as mobile applications to support contact tracing efforts.
🇩🇪’s Corona-Warn app has been used to transmit 1.2M test results from labs to users in its first 100 days"-@DrTedros

"The Aarogya Setu app from 🇮🇳 has been downloaded by 150M users, & has helped city public health departments to identify areas where clusters could be anticipated & expand testing in a targeted way"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"In 🇩🇰, more than 2,700 people have been tested for
#COVID19 as a result of notifications received through a mobile application.

And the 🇬🇧 has rolled out a new version of its @NHSuk #COVID19 app, which had more than 10M downloads within the first week"-@DrTedros

"As well as alerting users that they may have been exposed to a positive #COVID19 case, the 🇬🇧 app allows users to book a test and receive results, keep track of the places they’ve visited and receive the latest advice on local restrictions"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1315678794489958401?s=20

"WHO is working with the @ECDC_EU to help countries evaluate the effectiveness of their digital contract tracing apps.

This is just one example of the innovative measures countries are taking to control #COVID19"-@DrTedros

"There are many tools at our disposal. WHO recommends:
-case finding
-isolation
-testing
-compassionate care
-contact tracing
-quarantine
-physical distancing
-#HandHygiene
-#WearAMask
-respiratory etiquette
-ventilation
-avoiding crowds and more"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"We recognize that at certain points, some countries have had no choice but to issue #StayAtHome orders & other lockdown measures, to buy time"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Many countries have used that time to develop plans, train #healthworkers, put supplies in place, increase testing capacity, reduce testing time and improve care for patients"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1315679825680629768?s=20

"WHO is hopeful that countries will use targeted interventions where & when needed, based on the local situation.

We well understand the frustration that many people, communities & governments are feeling as the #COVID19 pandemic drags on, & as cases rise again"-@DrTedros

The full remarks by @DrTedros 👇 bit.ly/30WdFyg