GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a new and dangerous phase of the coronavirus as infections continue to surge in parts of the world.
During a virtual briefing from WHO headquarters, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “The world is in a new and dangerous phase,” he said adding, “The virus is still spreading fast, it is still deadly, and most people are still susceptible.”
More than 8.7 million people have been reported infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 462,688 have died.
Tedros, whose leadership of the WHO has been severely criticised by US President Donald Trump, urged people to maintain social distancing and ‘extreme vigilance.’
WHO emergencies expert Mike Ryan drew attention to the situation in Brazil, where he said there had been 1,230 additional COVID-19 deaths in the previous 24 hours.
About 12 percent of infections in Brazil involved healthcare workers, he added, praising their bravery. The country has the world’s worst outbreak outside the United States, with 978,142 confirmed cases and 47,748 deaths.
With many nations easing restrictions but fearful of the second wave of infections, Ryan urged a gradual and scientific approach.
“Exiting lockdowns must be done carefully, in a step-wise manner, and must be driven by the data,” he said. “If don’t know where it is the chances are the virus will surprise you,” he added.
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