Thread by @WHO

Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros pscp.tv/w/clxVEjI2MTAy…

"I want to start the week off on a happy note.

I am delighted to announce that WHO has the honour of working with Kim Sledge, of the legendary group @SisterSledge_, and Natasha Mudhar, founder of @The_WorldWeWant organization"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #WeAreFamily

"Together, we are today announcing the start of a new #WeAreFamily campaign to promote global solidarity and collaboration in the face of #COVID19"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1318211411403833346?s=20

"#WeAreFamily is a global anthem that calls for what the world needs most right now – solidarity, unity and collaboration.

Working together, as a global family, for the future"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"I would like to thank Kim Sledge for her kind offer to donate proceeds from the sale of her special edition cover of #WeAreFamily to @thewhof. This is in support of the #COVID19 response and strengthening health services around the world"-@DrTedros

"I would also like to announce that we will have the honour of having Kim Sledge sing #WeAreFamily at the opening of the #WHA73, which resumes on the 9th of November"-@DrTedros #COVID19

Launching today, the #WeAreFamily video campaign will invite people worldwide to star in the music video, recording videos of themselves with their close family and friends singing the song and then sharing this on their social media channels. bit.ly/3kdN8Ev

"On Friday, we discussed the worrying phase that the #COVID19 pandemic has entered.

As the northern hemisphere enters winter, we’re seeing cases accelerate – particularly in Europe and North America"-@DrTedros

"It is encouraging to see many leaders communicating with their populations about targeted measures that are needed to slow down the spread of the virus and protect #healthworkers and health systems"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"As #COVID19 cases go up, the number of people needing beds in hospitals and intensive care also increases. Nurses and doctors have a much better understanding of how best to treat people with the virus than they did in the early days of the pandemic"-@DrTedros

"However, when hospital capacity is reached and exceeded, it is a very difficult and dangerous situation for both patients and #healthworkers alike"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"So it’s important that all governments focus on the fundamentals that help to break the chains of #COVID19 transmission and save both lives and livelihoods"-@DrTedros

"This means active #COVID19 case finding, cluster investigations, isolating all cases, quarantining contacts, ensuring good clinical care, supporting and protecting #healthworkers and protecting the vulnerable"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1318214809201115136?s=20

"We’re in this for the long haul, but there is hope that if we make smart choices together - we can keep cases down, ensure essential health services continue and children can still go to school"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"We all have a part to play.
Physical distancing
Mask wearing
#HandHygiene
Coughing safely into your arm
Avoiding crowds
Meeting people outside where possible & when you have to be inside with others – open windows & ensure good ventilation with non recirculating air"-@DrTedros

"I know there’s fatigue but the virus has shown that when we let our guard down, it can surge back at breakneck speed and threaten hospitals and health systems"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"On 9 Oct. I shared that 171 countries & economies were part of the @gavi, @CEPIvaccines & WHO-led COVAX initiative for vaccine access.
I am pleased to announce that now 184 countries have now joined COVAX. The most recent countries joining over the weekend are 🇪🇨 & 🇺🇾"-@DrTedros

"COVAX represents the largest portfolio of potential #COVID19 vaccines and the most effective way to share safe and effective vaccines equitably across the world"-@DrTedros #ACTogether

"Equitably sharing vaccines is the fastest way to safeguard high-risk communities, stabalise health systems and drive a truly global economic recovery"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #ACTogether

"By working together today & sharing life saving health supplies globally including personal protective equipment, supplies of oxygen, dexamethasone & vaccines when they’re proven to be safe & effective, we can save lives and get through this pandemic"-@DrTedros #COVID19

The full remarks by @DrTedros 👇 bit.ly/35jGM0a