There will be no return to the ‘old normal’ for the foreseeable future: Dr Tedros

Geneva: Continuing to warn countries that all are at risk of the virus, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health Organisation (WHO) expressed that there will be no return to normal for the foreseeable future.

Speaking to global media from Geneva, Dr Tedros said, “I want to be straight with you: there will be no return to the “old normal” for the foreseeable future. But there is a roadmap to a situation where we can control the disease and get on with our lives. But this is going to require three things:

First, a focus on reducing mortality and suppressing transmission.

Second, an empowered, engaged community that takes individual behaviour measures in the interest of each other. 

And third, we need strong government leadership and coordination of comprehensive strategies that are communicated clearly and consistently.”

“It can be done. It must be done. I have said it before and I will keep saying it. No matter where a country is in its epidemic curve, it is never too late to take decisive action.,” the WHO DG elaborated.

He further added that yesterday, 230,000 cases of COVID-19 were reported to WHO. Almost 80 per cent of those cases were reported from just 10 countries, and 50% come from just two countries.Although the number of daily deaths remains relatively stable, there is a lot to be concerned about. All countries are at risk of the virus, as you know, but not all countries have been affected in the same way.