Lockdowns should be lifted in two-week stages to stem virus
GENEVA: Countries that ease restrictions imposed to fight the spread of the coronavirus should wait at least two weeks to evaluate the impact of such changes before easing again, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
In its latest Strategy Update, the UN agency said that the world stands at a “pivotal juncture” in the pandemic and that “speed, scale, and equity must be our guiding principles” when deciding what measures are necessary.
Every country should implement comprehensive public health measures to maintain a sustainable steady state of low-level or no transmission and prepare its surge capacity to react rapidly to control any spread, the WHO said.
Some of the countries hardesthit by the virus are now considering lifting lockdowns and beginning the transition towards a resumption of normal life. The WHO update said any such steps should be taken gradually, with time to evaluate their impact
IN ITS LATEST STRATEGY UPDATE, THE UN AGENCY SAID THAT THE WORLD STANDS AT A “PIVOTAL JUNCTURE” IN THE PANDEMIC AND THAT “SPEED, SCALE, AND EQUITY MUST BE OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES” WHEN DECIDING WHAT MEASURES ARE NECESSARY
before new steps are taken.
“To reduce the risk of new outbreaks, measures should be lifted in a phased, step-wise manner based on an assessment of the epidemiological risks and socioeconomic benefits of lifting restrictions on different workplaces, educational institutions, and social activities...,” the WHO said.
“Ideally there would be a minimum of 2 weeks (corresponding to the incubation period of COVID-19) between each phase of the transition, to allow sufficient time to understand the risk of new outbreaks and to respond appropriately,” it added.
It warned that the “risk of reintroduction and resurgence of the disease will continue”. The Genevabased global health organisation issued its advice at a time when it has come under criticism from the United States for its initial response to the pandemic. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday Washington, the WHO’S biggest donor, would suspend funding.
China has begun lifting some of the toughest restrictions imposed on Hubei province where the disease first emerged at the end of last year. In the United States, which has the largest number of confirmed cases and deaths, Trump has jostled with some state governors over who has the authority to begin reopening US businesses.