Thread by @WHO

Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros pscp.tv/w/c0L1MjI2MTAy…

"In January and February, the world saw six consecutive weeks of declining #COVID19 cases.

We have now seen seven consecutive weeks of increasing cases, and four weeks of increasing deaths.

Last week was the fourth-highest number of cases in a single week so far"-@DrTedros

"Several countries in Asia and the Middle East have seen large increases in #COVID19 cases.

This is despite the fact that more than 780 million doses of vaccine have now been administered globally"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1381606156074897410?s=20

"Make no mistake, #COVID19 vaccines are a vital and powerful tool. But they are not the only tool.

We say this day after day, week after week. And we will keep saying it"-@DrTedros #ACTogether

Physical distancing works.
Masks work.
#HandHygiene works.
Ventilation works.
Surveillance, testing, contact tracing, isolation, supportive quarantine and compassionate care – they all work to stop #COVID19 infections and save lives"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1381606540457738240?s=20

"But confusion, complacency and inconsistency in public health measures and their application are driving #COVID19 transmission and costing lives.

It takes a consistent, coordinated and comprehensive approach"-@DrTedros #ACTogether

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1381606738638610432?s=20

"So many countries around the world have shown that the #COVID19 virus can be stopped and contained with proven public health measures and strong systems that respond rapidly and consistently"-@DrTedros

"As a result, many of those countries have gained control over #COVID19, and their people are now able to enjoy sporting events, concerts, restaurants and seeing their family and friends safely"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1381607258765803521?s=20

"WHO does not want endless lockdowns. The countries that have done best have taken a tailored, measured, agile and evidence-based combination of measures"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1381607373001912320?s=20

"We too want to see societies and economies reopening, and travel and trade resuming.

But right now, intensive care units in many countries are overflowing and people are dying – and it’s totally avoidable"-@DrTedros #COVID19

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1381607644432117762?s=20

"In some countries, despite continuing transmission, restaurants & nightclubs are full, markets are open & crowded with few people taking precautions. Some people appear to be taking the approach that if they’re relatively young, it doesn’t matter if they get #COVID19"-@DrTedros

"This disease [#COVID19] is not flu. Young, healthy people have died. And we still don’t fully understand the long-term consequences of infection for those who survive"-@DrTedros

"Many people who have suffered even mild #COVID19 disease report long-term symptoms including fatigue, weakness, “brain fog”, dizziness, tremors, insomnia, depression, anxiety, joint pain, chest tightness and more"-@DrTedros

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1381608187200147457?s=20

"The #COVID19 pandemic is a long way from over. But we have many reasons for optimism.

The decline in cases and deaths during the first two months of the year shows that this virus and its variants can be stopped"-@DrTedros

"With a concerted effort to apply public health measures alongside #VaccinEquity, we could bring the pandemic under control in a matter of months. Whether we do or not comes down to the decisions & the actions that govts & individuals make every day. The choice is ours"-@DrTedros

"The #COVID19 pandemic has shown that global manufacturing capacity is not sufficient to deliver vaccines and other essential health products quickly and equitably to where they are needed most"-@DrTedros

"Earlier today I joined several leaders from Africa for a discussion about how to increase local vaccine production.
It was very encouraging to hear Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa speak about the concrete steps they have so far taken to start local production"-@DrTedros

"Early in the #COVID19 pandemic, African countries came together to agree on a coordinated approach to the pandemic, and now they’re coming together for a coordinated approach to scaling up manufacturing"-@DrTedros

"Investing in sustainable & secure domestic manufacturing capacity & national regulatory authorities is critical for providing essential immunization programmes, & for building strong, resilient health systems against the inevitable health emergencies of the future"-@DrTedros

"To address this challenge, WHO and our partners have established a #COVAX manufacturing taskforce, to increase supply in the short term, but also to build a platform for sustainable vaccine manufacturing to support regional health security"-@DrTedros #VaccinEquity

"WHO is also ready to provide immediate technical support to assist countries in assessing the feasibility of local production, and in accessing technology and know-how"-@DrTedros #VaccinEquity

"I express my solidarity with the people of #StVincent who have been evacuating their 🏠 due to volcanic activity over the weekend. According to experts, there are likely to be further eruptions & WHO stands ready to support the govt & people of 🇻🇨 in any way we can"-@DrTedros

"Finally, I would like to wish all Muslims #RamadanMubarak"-@DrTedros

The full remarks by @DrTedros at the #COVID19 media briefing - 12 April 2021 ⬇️ bit.ly/2PVr3R6