Tedros Ghebreyesus warned that the ‘way down could be as deadly as the way up if not managed correctly.’
Lifting social distancing restrictions “too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence” in COVID-19 cases, the World Health Organization chief warned Friday.
Acknowledging that some countries are already starting the transition out of lockdown measures, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the “way down could be as deadly as the way up if not managed correctly.”
Tedros did not mention specific countries. But his remarks at a press conference came after several EU countries, including Austria, Denmark and the Czech Republic announced concrete plans to lift restrictions.
The European Commission dropped plans to debut its “roadmap” for an exit strategy this week after objections from some member countries, who feared it would send the wrong signal when authorities are still working to get citizens to comply with restrictions.
Tedros outlined six conditions that must be in place for loosening social distancing. They include having the transmission of the virus under control and having enough medical services available. Risks of outbreaks in special facilities like longterm care facilities should be “minimized,” and preventive measures should be in place in “essential” locations like schools. Countries also need to get to a point where risks of imported coronavirus infections can be managed, Tedros said, and ensure that “communities are fully aware and engaged in the transition.”
Completely taken from: politico.eu
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