(Image source from: cnbc.com)

In a press conference addressed by the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, he stated saying that while lockdowns will not extinguish epidemics, in the current situation, calling off the lockdown is the last thing the world needs.

According to multiple reports, WHO has warned a number of countries from calling of their lockdowns in fear of further second wave of the virus.

Tedros said that lockdowns and limiting the population movement is buying time and reducing the pressure imposed on the health system at this time of crisis. But, he clarified stating that these measures, on their own, aren’t enough to extinguish the epidemics, on in this case, the spread of the novel coronavirus.

According to Tedros, the lockdowns help prepare the frontline workers and officials to find and take more measures to prevent further transmission of the virus and in turn, save lives.

Tedros believes that the lockdowns that have been implemented in several of the countries offer a “second window of opportunity” for the towns, cities, states and the countries to eventually flatten the curve.

He further stated saying that these measures that are being implemented are the safest bet to ensure that the virus is successfully suppressed, and to stop the transmission of the same so gradually when the restrictions are lifted, the impacts of the coronavirus doesn’t surge once again.

According to a report published by CNBC, Tedros said that the spread and the rate of expansion of the coronavirus are at its peak now.

Tedros further stated saying, “The pandemic is accelerating. It took 67 days from the first reported case to reach 100,000 cases, 11 days for second 100,000 cases, and just four days for the third 100,000 cases.”

He urged the people and the government to unite in this time of crisis. Tedros further emphasised saying that if people and the government don’t prioritise protecting the healthcare workers, it is likely that the same will affect the death rate as the number of health care workers who fall sick will become more.

In the press conference, Tedros suggested six different ways to combat the spread of this virus.

The six key actions that WHO recommends include (as quoted by Tedros):

• Expand, train and deploy your health care and public health workforce
• Implement a system to find every suspected case at community level
• Ramp up the production, capacity and availability of testing
• Identify, adapt and equip facilities you will use to treat and isolate patients
• Develop a clear plan and process to quarantine contacts
• Refocus the whole of government on suppressing and controlling COVID-19

With the rampant rise in the cases and the death rates because of this novel coronavirus, it is necessary that the world prioritises the health of people over economy at this point.

By Somapika Dutta