Coronavirus: Lifting lockdown restrictions too soon would spark ‘deadly resurgence’, warns WHO
‘The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lifting coronavirus restrictions too early would spark a “deadly resurgence” across the globe, the World Health Organisation has warned.
Countries which come out of lockdown prematurely risk a second ruinous wave just as catastrophic as the first, the body cautioned.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, spoke out as countries across the world – including the UK, Italy, Spain and the US – consider ways in which they could potentially ease shutdowns which are now turning the health crisis into an economic one.
“I know that some countries are already planning the transition out of stay-at-home restrictions,” he said from a virtual press conference in Geneva, Switzerland. “WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone.
“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.”
The microbiologist added that the body was working with affected countries on potential strategies for returning to some semblance of normality once the peak of the pandemic passed.
He also listed six factors that must be considered before lockdowns are eased: transmission under control; health services able to cope; risks in care homes minimised; preventative measures introduced in workplaces and schools; virus importation risks managed; and communities made aware of how to reduce future transmissions.
The global death toll from coronavirus has now risen above 100,000 with more than 1.6 million people reported infected in total.
Although Mr Tedros welcomed signs the contagion was slowing in Europe, he also warned of an “alarming acceleration” elsewhere, saying that the virus was now emerging in rural Africa.
“We anticipate severe hardship for already overstretched health systems, particularly in rural areas, which normally lack the resources of those in cities,” he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments