Thread by @cnnphilippines

HAPPENING NOW: @WHO holds #COVID19 media briefing

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1366423575402409989

.@DrTedros : Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire started vaccinating #healthworkers against #COVID19, becoming the first countries to begin vaccination campaigns with doses supplied through #COVAX. | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : A further 11 million doses will be delivered this week.

Between now and the end of May, 237 million doses of #COVID19 vaccines will be allocated to 142 participating economies in #COVAX. | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : It’s encouraging to see #healthworkers in lower-income countries starting to be vaccinated [against #COVID19], but it’s regrettable that this comes almost three months after some of the wealthiest countries started their vaccination campaigns. | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : And it’s regrettable that some countries continue to prioritize vaccinating younger, healthier adults at lower risk of disease in their own populations ahead of #healthworkers and older people elsewhere. | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : Countries are not in a race with each other, this is a common race against the #COVID19 virus.

We’re not asking countries to put their own people at risk. We’re asking all countries to be part of a global effort to suppress the virus everywhere. | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : Even as #COVID19 vaccines continue to roll out, we urge all governments and individuals to remember that vaccines alone will not keep you safe. | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : In the past week, the number of reported cases of #COVID19 increased for the first time in 7 weeks.

Reported cases increased in four of WHO’s six regions: the Americas, Europe, South East Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean.

This is disappointing, but not surprising

.@DrTedros : Vaccines will help to save lives, but if countries rely solely on vaccines, they’re making a mistake.

Basic public health measures remain the foundation of the #COVID19 response. | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : For public health authorities, that means testing, contact tracing, isolation, supported quarantine and quality care.

For individuals, it means avoiding crowds, physical distancing, hand hygiene, masks and ventilation. | via @WHO

.@DrTedros : This is a global crisis that requires a consistent and coordinated global response.

And we must remember that for millions of people, #COVID19 is just one threat they face on a daily basis. | via @WHO