Thread by @WHO

Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros pscp.tv/w/cpO_AzI2MTAy…

"Last week saw the first decline in newly-reported #COVID19 cases globally since September, due to a decrease in cases in Europe thanks to the effectiveness of difficult but necessary measures put in place in recent weeks"-@DrTedros

"This is welcome news, but it must be interpreted with extreme caution. Gains can easily be lost, and there was still an increase in #COVID19 cases in most other regions of the world, and an increase in deaths"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1333443318261362689?s=20

"This is no time for complacency, esp. with the holiday season approaching in many cultures & countries. We all want to be together with the people we love during festive periods. But being with family & friends is not worth putting them or yourself at risk"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"We all need to consider whose life we might be gambling with in the decisions we make"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"The #COVID19 pandemic will change the way we celebrate, but it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate.

The changes you make will depend on where you live. Always follow your local or national guidelines"-@DrTedros

"The first question to ask yourself is, do you need to travel?

For many people, this is a season for staying home & staying safe. Celebrate with your household; avoid gatherings with many different households & families coming together"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1333443929614725125?s=20

"If you do meet people from a different household, meet outdoors if you can, maintain physical distance & #WearAMask.

Avoid crowded shopping centres, shop at less crowded times, & use online shopping if you can"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1333444338525872131?s=20

"If travelling is essential, take precautions to minimize the risk for you & others:
-Maintain distance from others & #WearAMask when you're in airports, train stations, & on ✈️, 🚆 & 🚍
-Carry hand sanitiser with you, or #WashYourHands frequently with 🧼 & 💦"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"If you feel unwell, don't travel"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1333444338525872131?s=20

"Even if we can’t celebrate as normal this year, make a plan to celebrate with your family and friends once it’s safe to do so.

The #COVID19 pandemic will end – and we all have a part to play in ending it"-@DrTedros #ACTogether

"Tomorrow is #WorldAIDSDay.

The world has made incredible progress on #HIV-AIDS over the past 10 years.

New HIV infections have declined by 23% since 2010, and AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 39%"-@DrTedros

"A record 26 million people are on antiretroviral treatment – but the pace of increase has slowed, and that leaves 12 million people who are living with #HIV but are not on treatment.

That gap is jeopardising our goal of ending #AIDS as a public health threat by 2030"-@DrTedros

"#COVID19 has had a profound effect on people living with #HIV, as it has for many diseases.

There is some evidence that people living with HIV may have an increased risk of severe disease & death from COVID-19"-@DrTedros

"This increased risk has been compounded by disruptions to treatment for people living with #HIV.

In a WHO survey of 127 countries earlier this year, more than a quarter reported partial disruption to antiretroviral treatment for people with HIV"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"With support from WHO & the work of #healthworkers, the number of countries reporting disruptions in #HIV services has declined by almost 75% since June. Only
-9 countries are still reporting disruptions
-12 report a critically low stock of antiretroviral medicines"-@DrTedros

"This is mainly due to countries implementing WHO guidelines, including providing longer prescriptions of antiretrovirals for 3 to 6 months, so patients can avoid health facilities"-@DrTedros #HIV #AIDS

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1333447198726627338?s=20

"WHO has also worked closely with manufacturers and partners to ensure adequate supply of treatment.

Countries have also introduced a number of effective adaptations and innovations during #COVID19"-@DrTedros #HIV #AIDS

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1333447198726627338?s=20

"In Africa, many countries have built their testing system for #COVID19 on the existing lab infrastructure for #HIV and TB.
In Thailand, the government has maintained pre-exposure prophylaxis services & telehealth counselling for men who have sex with men"-@DrTedros

"And many countries have introduced more self-testing for #HIV to support self-care and avoid the need for people to visit clinics or hospitals"-@DrTedros

"WHO is urging countries to maintain these innovations as part of the “new normal”, and to help expand #HIV testing and treatment to people who need it"-@DrTedros

"The pandemic has taught that in the face of an urgent health threat, the 🌍 can come together in new ways to defeat it.
For many people, the pandemic is a source of fear – but it can also be a source of hope that we can defeat #COVID19, & we can defeat #HIV"-@DrTedros