The World Health
Organization (WHO) has sounded a stern warning against lifting coronavirus
restrictions too soon, saying it could lead to a deadly resurgence.
WHO issued the
warning on Friday as some of the European countries hardest hit by the COVID-19
pandemic are starting to see signs of slowing in infections.
“In the past week,
we’ve seen a welcome slowing in some of the hardest-hit countries in Europe,
like Spain, Italy, Germany and France,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus told a regular press briefing.
As “some countries
are already planning the transition out of stay-at-home restrictions,” the WHO
chief warned that “lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly
resurgence.”
“The way down can be
as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly,” he said.
The WHO chief
stressed that decision of lifting restrictions should be made on the following
conditions:
* that transmission
is controlled;
*that sufficient
public health and medical services are available;
* that outbreak
risks in special settings like long-term care facilities are minimized;
*that preventive
measures are in place in workplaces, schools and other places where it’s
essential for people to go;
*that importation
risks can be managed;
*that communities
are fully aware and engaged in the transition.
Globally, 1.7million
confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to the WHO, as well as more
than 100,000 deaths.
He underlined that
the WHO is working with affected countries on strategies for gradually and
safely easing restrictions.
Denmark is one of
the countries planning to ease restriction.
The Scandinavian
country, has over 5,000 cases of coronavirus and a total of 237 fatalities.
But it said it has
seen deaths and hospital admissions stabilise in recent days.
From Wednesday, it
will reopen schools and day care centres.
Remaining lockdown
measures, such as the closure of bars, restaurants, shopping complexes and bans
of public gatherings of more than 10 people, will stay in place for at least
another month.
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