COVID-19: Lifting of Sanctions to Curb Spread Could Trigger Resurgence- WHO Warns

The World Health Oraganisation’s helmsman, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that any premature lifting of sanctions to curb the spread of the Coronavirus could lead to fatal resurgence of the new virus.

This warning is coming as some states across Nigeria have relaxed the lockdown to allow Nigerians celebrate the Easter season

Tedros said “I know that some countries are already planning the transition out of stay-at-home restrictions. WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone,” he told a virtual press conference in Geneva.

“At the same time, lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence. The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly.

“WHO is working with affected countries on strategies for gradually and safely easing restrictions.”

The WHO helmsman also spelled out six factors that needed to be considered before restrictions could be eased.

This according to him includes, controlling transmission; sufficient public health services made available; outbreak risks in care homes minimised; preventative measures imposed in workplaces and schools.

According to an AFP tally, More than 1.6 million infections have been recorded globally, since the virus first emerged in China in December.

The global death toll has gone over 100,000.

Tedros also warned of an “alarming acceleration” of the virus elsewhere, highlighting Africa, where he said it was beginning to emerge in rural areas.

“We are now seeing clusters of cases and community spread in more than 16 countries” on the continent, the former Ethiopian health minister said.

“We anticipate severe hardship for already overstretched health systems, particularly in rural areas, which normally lack the resources of those in cities.”

Tedros said that even the countries with the world’s strongest health systems had been caught by surprise by COVID-19. He urged them to reinforce their healthcare provision rather than plunge into a “cycle of panic and neglect”.