”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…
