Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros. #coronavirus https://www.pscp.tv/w/cV82xTI2MTAyMHwxUGxLUW1RYlhPWktFaRKRL5vJpO-_FdSWOFD_SM4Neb6sq0PgS6TbKlAKFxs=

"Globally, nearly 1.5 million confirmed cases of #COVID19 have now been reported to WHO, and more than 92,000 deaths.

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"- @DrTedros #coronavirus

"On a personal note, I was pleased to see my friend @BorisJohnson is no longer in intensive care. I wish him the best – as I wish the best for everyone who is facing what he faced"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"At the same time, we’ve seen an alarming acceleration in other countries.
I want to take a moment to highlight Africa, where we are seeing the spread of the #coronavirus to rural areas. We are now seeing clusters of cases and community spread in more than 16 countries"- @DrTedros

"We anticipate severe hardship for already overstretched health systems, particularly in rural areas, which normally lack the resources of those in cities"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"As Dr @MoetiTshidi, the Regional Director for @WHOAFRO, said yesterday, this means countries need to localize the #COVID19 response, by urgently strengthening the existing public health and primary health care infrastructure in countries"- @DrTedros #coronavirus

"The recent meeting of the @g20org expressed strong support for Africa, which must be expedited even though the numbers in Africa are still relatively small but accelerating"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"I know that some countries are already planning the transition out of #StayHome restrictions.

WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"At the same time, 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"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"WHO is working with affected countries on strategies for gradually & safely easing restrictions. Imp. factors to consider are that:
transmission is controlled
sufficient public health & medical services are available
outbreak risks in spec settings are minimized"- @DrTedros

"preventive measures are in place in workplaces, schools & other essential places
importation risks can be managed
communities are fully aware and engaged in the transition"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"We are particularly concerned by the large numbers of infections reported among #healthworkers.

In some countries there are reports of up to 10% of health workers being infected. This is an alarming trend"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"When #healthworkers are at risk, we’re all at risk. Evidence from is helping us to understand why this is happening & what we can do about it.
It shows that some health workers are actually being infected outside , in their homes or communities"- @DrTedros #COVID19

"Within , common problems are the late recognition of #COVID19, or lack of training or inexperience in dealing with respiratory pathogens.
Many #healthworkers are also being exposed to large numbers of patients in long shifts with inadequate rest periods"- @DrTedros #coronavirus

"The evidence shows: when #healthworkers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) the right way, infections can be prevented. That makes it even more important that health workers are able to access the masks, gloves, gowns & other PPE they need to do their jobs safely"- @DrTedros

"To support countries, WHO has launched three tools to help managers and planners calculate the #healthworkers, supplies and equipment that will be needed for the increase in #COVID19 patients"- @DrTedros #coronavirus

"The new @UN Supply Chain Task Force, to coordinate & scale up the procurement & distribution of personal protective equipment, lab diagnostics & oxygen to the countries that need it most"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"This initiative will be coordinated by WHO and @WFP, building on existing collaboration between multiple partners from within and outside the @UN"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"This system will consist of hubs in Belgium, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malaysia, Panama, South Africa & the United Arab Emirates.
We estimate this supply chain may need to cover more than 30% of the world’s needs in the acute phase of the pandemic"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"Every month, we will need to ship at least:

-100M medical masks & gloves

-up to 25M N95 respirators, gowns & face-shields

-up to 2.5M diagnostic tests

-large quantities of oxygen concentrators & other equipment for clinical care"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"To move these supplies around the world, @WFP will deploy eight 747 aircraft, eight medium-sized cargo aircraft, and several smaller passenger planes to move humanitarian workers, technical staff, trainers and other personnel"- @DrTedros #COVID19 #coronavirus

"Clearly the associated costs will be substantial. @WFP estimates it will need approximately USD 280M, simply to cover the costs of storing & moving supplies. The costs of procuring supplies will be much greater. We urge donors to support this vitally important system"- @DrTedros

"Today I convened a meeting of the Emergency Committee on #Ebola in #DRC. After 52 days without a case, surveillance and response teams on the ground have confirmed a new case of Ebola in DRC. We have been preparing for and expecting more cases"- @DrTedros

"Unfortunately, this means the government of #DRC will not be able to declare an end to the #Ebola outbreak on Monday, as hoped. But WHO remains on the ground & committed as ever to working with the government, affected communities & our partners to end the outbreak"- @DrTedros

The full briefing on #COVID19 by @DrTedros https://bit.ly/34t3xxJ