The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed to “encouraging signs” that countries in Europe are able to deal with coronavirus outbreaks, despite the increase in cases since lockdown measures were lifted. At a WHO media briefing, Bruce Aylward, Senior Advisor to the Director-General, highlighted the “tremendous” knowledge, capacities and skill sets that now exist to counter upswings in cases, which have been built up since the height of the pandemic in Europe in March. “Europe has learned how to identify, isolate, quarantine,” he said.
“It’s also identified how to put in place the individual measures so we’ve already seen in some areas of Europe a very rapid reversal in what were some rapidly increasing curves. “So I think that while we cannot be complacent, there are some encouraging signs already that even these initial upswings can be turned around much more rapidly than they were in the spring, because of the knowledge skills capacities that have been built.”
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, said there were four key steps that needed to be taken to reduce transmission and allow for the safe reopening of societies. Preventing amplifying events, which are linked to large gatherings of people for example at stadiums, night clubs, and places of worship. He insisted there are ways to hold gatherings safely in some places. Reduce deaths by protecting vulnerable groups – such as the elderly, people with underlying health conditions, and essential workers.
This will reduce stress on health systems. Individuals must do their part, by following guidance related to social distancing, hand washing, and wearing a mask. Fourth, governments must take tailored actions to find, isolate, test and care for cases and trace and quarantine contacts. A WHO survey based on 105 countries’ reports suggested 90% of countries experienced disruption to their health services.
Source: Euronews
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