Since the beginning of the #COVID19 pandemic, we knew that a vaccine would be essential for bringing the pandemic under control. But it’s important to emphasise that a vaccine will complement the other tools we have, not replace them. #EB147#ACTogether
Initial supply of #COVID19 vaccines will be limited, so #healthworkers, older people & other at-risk populations will be prioritised. That will hopefully reduce the number of deaths & enable health systems to cope, but the virus will still have a lot room to move. #EB147
A vaccine on its own will not end the #COVID19 pandemic. We will still need to continue:
-Surveillance
-Testing, isolating & caring for cases
-Tracing & quarantining contacts
-Engaging communities
-Encouraging individuals to be careful #ACTogether#EB147
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My deep appreciation goes to #WHA73 Madam President, Keva Bain, Permanent Representative of the #Bahamas, for her leadership under extraordinary circumstances during both the de minimis session in May & resumed session this week. @minnis_dr, @MOFABahamas, @MOHBahamas, @FinanceBAH
I also thank the Chair of Committee A, Dr Bjørn-Inge Larsen of #Norway, and the Chair of Committee B, His Excellency Mr Mamadou Henri Konate of #Mali, for their leadership in managing a full #WHA73 agenda.
Thank you to all @WHO Member States for their flexibility, goodwill and pragmatism in adapting to the constraints of dealing with a large agenda virtually, across multiple time zones. #WHA73
Here is why vaccine nationalism harms efforts to halt the #COVID19 pandemic: econ.st/3k1zyDo
Going it alone will perpetuate the economic and health crisis—for all!
The 🌍 is suffering but rays of light are visible. Several #COVID19 vaccines are in the final stages of their trials. Factories are producing doses, in the hope they'll receive approval. There's a chance that by the end of 2020, mass vaccinations could start for high-risk people.
“Vaccine nationalism” invites the same problems that were seen at the outset of lockdowns in March, when different authorities scrambled for masks, gowns & sanitiser. Once new vaccines, drugs & tests become available, demand will vastly outstrip supply & things will get worse.
.@WHO is launching a new #WearAMask challenge!
By wearing a mask, you are sending a message of solidarity and protecting other people, especially those most vulnerable to #COVID19.
Take a photo or a video of yourself wearing a mask, share it and nominate friends to do the same ⬇️
Let me be clear - masks alone will not stop #COVID19 - we must 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹: #WearAMask that covers your nose, mouth & chin
Keep physical distance
Clean your hands
Keep away from big crowds
Cover your mouth & nose when coughing
Last week I spoke to students graduating from @CUNY & today to graduates of the @Tsinghua_Uni School of Economics & Management.
My request: that wherever their careers take them, to work as ambassadors for our shared humanity.
Our world has been thrown into turmoil by a microscopic pathogen. #COVID19 has robbed us of people we love, & exposed political divisions and social & economic inequalities. It will shape the planet for decades to come & will shape the lives & careers of these young graduates.
My hope is that the suffering the world is now enduring will not be in vain. #COVID19 has given us a glimpse of the world as it could be. The question is, will we just go back to the way things were?
Today's graduates from @Tsinghua_Uni will be part of the global recovery.
I was pleased to join the @ioevoice Conference on Back-to-Work Policies yesterday.
A return to work should be done in a phased, controlled & cautious manner, otherwise it can put lives at risk & threatens to undermine our efforts to restore social & economic activity. #COVID19
I shared @WHO's guidance for the resumption of work in the context of #COVID19:
1⃣ Employers and managers, in consultation with workers and occupational health services, should carry out and regularly update their risk assessment for work-related exposure to the virus.
2⃣ Preventive measures, including decisions for opening, closing and level of staffing, should be undertaken based on workplace risk assessments and the compliance of workers and customers with these measures. #COVID19
The #COVID19 pandemic has reminded us of a simple truth: we are one humanity. Today I was honoured to join the @g20 Health Ministers meeting to express @WHO's gratitude for their leadership and commitment to combat the current crisis & ensure this never happens again.
I had three asks of @g20org health ministers today: 1. Fight #COVID19 with determination, guided by science & evidence 2. Continue to support the global response 3. Work together to increase the production & equitable distribution of essential supplies & remove trade barriers.
I also used the opportunity to echo President @CyrilRamaphosa’s appeal, on behalf of the @_AfricanUnion, to support African countries with stimulus packages and debt relief so they can focus on fighting the #COVID19 pandemic.