Covid-19: Many countries going the wrong way – WHO

……..Says despite spikes, not too late to control virus

By Charles Joseph

Abuja, July 13, 2020 - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that with the recent aggravated spikes in the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, many countries were still heading in wrong direction.

The World health body disclosed during its periodic Covid-19 briefing that many countries seemed to be losing sight of their number one enemy which is the Covid-19.

WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus also noted that World leaders were also passing mixed messages to its populace, thereby confusing them.

“Let me blunt, too many countries are headed in the wrong direction.

“The virus remains public enemy number one, but the actions of many governments and people do not reflect this.

“The only aim of the virus is to find people to infect.

“Mixed messages from leaders are undermining the most critical ingredient of any response: trust.

“If governments do not clearly communicate with their citizens and roll out a comprehensive strategy focused on suppressing transmission and saving lives;

“If populations do not follow the basic public health principles of physical distancing, hand washing, wearing masks, coughing etiquette and staying at home when sick;

“If the basics aren’t followed, there is only one way this pandemic is going to go.

It’s going to get worse and worse and worse,” he said.

The WHO boss however stressed that the situation does not have to be as dire as it currently is, adding that governments and all citizens of the World can contribute their bit to break the chain of the virus.

He acknowledged that it was not going to be an easy task and that many leaders were working under difficult circumstances.

He insisted that even in the worst hit countries, it was not too late to stop the spread.

“The epicentre of the virus remains in the Americas, where more than 50% of the world’s cases have been recorded.

“But it’s never too late to bring the virus under control, even if there’s been explosive transmission.

“In some cities and regions where transmission is intense, severe restrictions have been reinstated to bring the outbreak under control.

“WHO is committed to working with all countries and all people to suppress transmission, reduce mortality, support communities to protect themselves and others, and support strong government leadership and coordination,” he said.