”In the eye of a storm like COVID, scientific and public health tools are essential, but so are humility and kindness” — World Health Organization
This briefing was held today in Geneva, Switzerland by the Director-General of the World Health Organization. The text of the briefing is being circulated widely in consonance with the Social Responsibility activities of TERRIFIC HEADLINES. We have also sought and received the audio and video versions that are attached. You could read this text in any language of your choice wherever you are in the world by changing the language to whichever you prefer by getting on www.terrificheadlines.com. Please go to the upper right hand corner to change the language appropriately. We enjoin to please circulate for the benefit of humankind. It is presented verbatim.
TEXT OF THE PRESS BRIEFING: Good morning, good afternoon and good evening, wherever you are.
The COVID-19 pandemic is straining health systems in many countries. The rapidly increasing demand on health facilities and health workers threatens to leave some health systems overstretched and unable to operate effectively. Previous outbreaks have demonstrated that when health systems are overwhelmed, deaths due to vaccine-preventable and treatable conditions increase dramatically.
Even though we’re in the midst of a crisis, essential health services must continue. Babies are still being born, vaccines must still be delivered, and people still need life-saving treatment for a range of other diseases. WHO has published guidelines to help countries balance the demands of responding directly to COVID-19, while maintaining essential health services. This includes a set of targeted, immediate actions to reorganize and maintain access to high-quality essential health services, including routine vaccination; care during pregnancy and childbirth; treatment for infectious and non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions; blood services, and more. That includes ensuring an adequate health workforce to deal with the many health needs other than COVID-19. For example, we’re pleased by the 20 000 health workers in the UK who have offered to return to work, and that other countries such as the Russian Federation are involving medical students and trainees in the response.
LIFE SAVING INSTRUCTIONS: To help countries manage the surge in COVID-19 cases while maintaining essential services, WHO has also published a detailed, practical manual on how to set up and manage treatment centres for COVID-19. The manual covers three major interventions: First, how to set up screening and triage at health facilities using a repurposed building or a tent. Second, how to set up community facilities to care for mild patients; And third, how to set up a treatment centre, by repurposing hospital wards or entire hospitals, or by setting up a new hospital in a tent. The manual covers structural design, infection prevention and control measures, and ventilation systems.
This is a life-saving instruction manual to deal with the surge of cases that some countries are facing right now. These facilities will also have longer-term benefits for health systems once the current crisis is over. In addition to having facilities for patients, it’s also vital that countries have sufficient supplies of diagnostics, protective equipment and other medical supplies. Ensuring free movement of essential health products is vital for saving lives and curbing the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.
MEETING WITH TRADE MINISTERS OF G=20 COUNTRIES: Earlier today I spoke to trade ministers from the G20 countries about ways to address the chronic shortage of personal protective equipment and other essential medical supplies. We call on countries to work with companies to increase production; to ensure the free movement of essential health products; and to ensure equitable distribution of those products, based on need. Specific attention should be given to low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
IMPLEMENTATION: In addition, WHO is working intensively with several partners to massively increase access to life-saving products, including diagnostics, PPE, medical oxygen, ventilators and more. We understand that many countries are implementing measures that restrict the movement of people. In implementing these measures, it’s vital to respect the dignity and welfare of all people.
ROLES EXPECTED OF GOVERNMENTS: It’s also important that governments keep their people informed about the intended duration of measures, and to provide support for older people, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. Governments need to ensure the welfare of people who have lost their income and are in desperate need of food, sanitation and other essential services. Countries should work hand-in-hand with communities to build trust and support resilience and mental health. Two months ago, WHO published the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, with an initial ask of 675 million US dollars to support countries to prepare for and respond to COVID-19. We’re very grateful to the many countries and foundations who have contributed; more than 622 million dollars have been received so far, and we would like to thank the King Salman Center for Humanitarian Relief for its contribution of 10 million US dollars. We continue to be encouraged by the signs of global solidarity to confront and overcome this common threat.
The commitment of G20 countries to work together to improve the production and equitable supply of essential products shows that the world is coming together. Yesterday I sent a tweet with a single word: humility. Some people asked me why. COVID-19 is reminding us how vulnerable we are, how connected we are and how dependent we are on each other.
In the eye of a storm like COVID, scientific and public health tools are essential, but so are humility and kindness.
With solidarity, humility and assuming the best of each other, we can – and will – overcome this together.
I thank you.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
WHO Director-General
Listen and download:
https://who.canto.global/b/OIQCQ
RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION – USEFUL INFORMATION
If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not travelled from an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not been in contact with an infected patient, your risk of infection is low. It is understandable that you may feel anxious about the outbreak. Get the facts from reliable sources to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Seek guidance from WHO, your healthcare provider, your national public health authority or your employer for accurate information on COVID-19 and whether COVID-19 is circulating where you live.
It is important to be informed of the situation and take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family. If you are in an area where there are cases of COVID-19 you need to take the risk of infection seriously. Follow the advice of WHO and guidance issued by national and local health authorities. For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease (See Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading).
Definition of contact A contact is a person who experienced any one of the following exposures during the 2 days before and the 14 days after the onset of symptoms of a probable or confirmed case:
Face-to-face contact with a probable or confirmed case within 1 meter and for more than 15 minutes;
Direct physical contact with a probable or confirmed case;
Direct care for a patient with probable or confirmed COVID-19 disease without using proper personal protective equipment1; OR
Other situations as indicated by local risk assessments. Note: for confirmed asymptomatic cases, the period of contact is measured as the 2 days before through the 14 days after the date on which the sample was taken which led to confirmation.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES: WHO’s strategic objectives for this response are to:
- Interrupt human-to-human transmission including reducing secondary infections among close contacts and health care workers, preventing transmission amplification events, and preventing further international spread*;
- Identify, isolate and care for patients early, including providing optimized care for infected patients; • Identify and reduce transmission from the animal source;
- Address crucial unknowns regarding clinical severity, extent of transmission and infection, treatment options, and accelerate the development of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines;
- Communicate critical risk and event information to all communities and counter misinformation;
- Minimize social and economic impact through multi-sectoral partnerships.
*This can be achieved through a combination of public health measures, such as rapid identification, diagnosis and management of the cases, identification and follow up of the contacts, infection prevention and control in health care settings, implementation of health measures for travelers, awareness-raising in the population and risk communication.
