Thread by @cnnphilippines

HAPPENING NOW: @WHO holds #COVID19 media briefing

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1315674531600588801

.@DrTedros : 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 | via @WHO

.@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 | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : 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 | via @WHO

.@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 defense against #COVID19 | via @WHO

.@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% | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : 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 | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : 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 | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : The 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 | via @WHO

.@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 : 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 | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : 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 | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : This virus transmits mainly between close contacts and causes outbreaks that can be controlled by implementing targeted measures | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : 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 | via @WHO

.@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 | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : We recognize that at certain points, some countries have had no choice but to issue #StayAtHome orders & other lockdown measures, to buy time | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : 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 | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : 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