Thread by @WHO

Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros pscp.tv/w/cmriGDI2MTAy…

"I want to start by noting that WHO is closely following the unfolding situation in 🇬🇷 & 🇹🇷 after the earthquake today.

We will work with the two countries to ensure that emergency medical care is provided to those in need.

Our thoughts are with all those affected"-@DrTedros

"Over the past few months, I have heard first hand from people who face mid to long-term effects of #COVID19 infection.

What’s really concerning is the vast spectrum of symptoms that fluctuate over time, often overlap and can affect any system in the body"-@DrTedros

"From fatigue, a cough and shortness of breath, to inflammation and injury of major organs - including the lungs and heart. And even neurological and psychologic effects"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Although we’re still learning about the virus, what’s clear is that this is not just a virus that kills people.

To a significant number of people, this virus poses a range of serious long-term effects"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"While people do recover, it can be slow – sometimes weeks or months – and it is not always a linear route to recovery"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Though exact numbers of people experiencing the long-term affects are not yet clearly defined, post #COVID19 symptoms and complications have been reported in both non-hospitalised and hospitalised patients"-@DrTedros

"There have been cases in women and men, both young and old. And even in children.

WHO will continue to do more research to establish best standards of care to accelerate recovery and prevent such complications"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1322211584354197504?s=20

"It is imperative that governments recognise the long-term effects of #COVID19 and also ensure access to health services to all of these patients.

This includes #primaryhealthcare and when needed specialty care and rehabilitation"-@DrTedros

"Listening to Paul, Martha & Lyth share their experiences & array of symptoms, it really reinforces what a dangerous virus #COVID19 is.
Your stories underscore that those facing the long-term effects of the virus must be given the time & care they need to recover fully"-@DrTedros

"It also reinforces how morally unconscionable & unfeasible the so called ‘natural herd immunity’ strategy is.
Not only would it lead to millions more unnecessary deaths, it would also lead to a significant number of people facing a long road to full recovery"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Herd immunity is only possible with safe & effective vaccines that are distributed equitably around the 🌍.
Until we have a vaccine, govts & ppl must do all that they can to suppress transmission, which is the best way to prevent the post-COVID long-term consequences"-@DrTedros

"In that vein, the Emergency Committee on #COVID19 has just concluded a two day meeting where they discussed the way forward"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1321794173092114432?s=20

"With global #COVID19 cases continuing to rise and some countries going in the wrong direction, the group has made a series of recommendations for WHO and Member States to act on"-@DrTedros

"The take home message is that it’s important for governments and citizens to keep focused on breaking the chains of transmission"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Governments should focus on tackling the virus and avoid politicisation. No matter where they are in terms of the #COVID19 outbreak, they should keep investing in the health system and workforce and improving testing, tracing and treatment of all cases"-@DrTedros

"There is light at the end of the tunnel.
As well as rapid tests & dexamethasone, several vaccines are now in final phase three trials"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"If proved safe and effective they will be rolled out through the ACT Accelerator’s vaccine arm – the COVAX Facility, which is now supported by 186 countries.

I thank Lebanon and Botswana for joining recently"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #ACTogether

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1322216386232549378?s=20

"The committee recommended that to prepare for new #COVID19 vaccines, WHO and governments must work closely to develop rollout strategies, train #healthworkers and ensure clear communications with the general public about vaccination"-@DrTedros

"WHO continues to work to establish the origins of the virus to prevent future outbreaks. Today, a group of intl. experts had their 1st virtual meeting with their 🇨🇳 counterparts. I joined to thank them & offer support to ensure the success of their ongoing research."-@DrTedros

"Form the long-term effects of #COVID19, to breaking the chains of transmission, to establishing the origins of the virus, WHO will continue to work in partnership across the world to drive science, solutions and solidarity"-@DrTedros

The full remarks by @DrTedros 👇 bit.ly/34Mgncl

The #COVID19 Emergency Committee provided the following advice to WHO on:
1⃣ Leadership and Coordination
2⃣ Evidence-Based Response Strategies

The #COVID19 Emergency Committee provided the following advice to WHO on:
3⃣ Research
4⃣ Surveillance and Contact Tracing

The #COVID19 Emergency Committee provided the following advice to WHO on:
5⃣ Risk communications and community engagement
6⃣ Diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines
7⃣ Health Measures in Relation to International Traffic

The #COVID19 Emergency Committee provided the following advice to WHO on:
8⃣ Essential Health Services

The #COVID19 Emergency Committee provided the following temporary recommendations to countries on:
1⃣ Leadership and coordination
2⃣ Evidence-Based Response Strategies

The #COVID19 Emergency Committee provided the following temporary recommendations to countries on:
3⃣ Research
4⃣ Surveillance and Contact Tracing
5⃣ Risk Communications and Community Engagement

The #COVID19 Emergency Committee provided the following temporary recommendations to countries on:
6⃣ Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Vaccines
7⃣ Health Measures in Relation to International Traffic
8⃣ Essential Health Services

Statement on the 5th meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee on #COVID19 pandemic bit.ly/31SLOzJ

Press release: As #COVID19 spread accelerates, IHR Emergency Committee urges focus on measures that work bit.ly/3e9wXWq