As coronavirus panic grips the globe the World Health Organisation finished a briefing today on an optimistic note - this virus can be beaten.
Declaring Covid-19 a 'pandemic' and expressing major concerns of the levels of 'inaction' by governments across the globe, WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus added that the tide can be turned on the deadly coronavirus.
The WHO chief said several countries had shown it can be "suppressed and controlled" but questioned whether all had the "resolve" to do what was required.
The doctor called on countries to take a "whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach, built around a comprehensive strategy to prevent infections, save lives and minimize impact."
He summarised it in four key areas:
- Prepare and be ready.
- Detect, protect and treat.
- Reduce transmission.
- Innovate and learn.
Dr Ghebreyesus said: "All countries must strike a fine balance between protecting health, minimizing economic & social disruption and respecting human rights.
"WHO’s mandate is public health. But we’re working with many partners across all sectors to mitigate the social and economic consequences of this Covid-19 pandemic."
Every person in the world, and every sector of society, must join the fight against Covid-19, said Dr Ghebreyesus.
He described it as not "not just a public health crisis, it is a crisis that will touch every sector."
He added: "We cannot say this loudly enough, or clearly enough, or often enough: all countries can still change the course of this pandemic.
"If countries detect, test, treat, isolate, trace, and mobilize their people in the response, those with a handful of Covid-19 cases can prevent those cases becoming clusters, and those clusters becoming community transmission."
Sounding a final not of optimism, Dr Ghebreyesus said beating the deadly virus was "doable".
He said: "I remind all countries that we are calling on you to ready your hospitals, and protect and train your healthworkers. Let’s all look out for each other.
"There’s been so much attention on one word. Let me give you some other words that matter much more, and that are much more actionable: Prevention. Preparedness. Public health. Political leadership. And most of all, People.
"We’re in this together, to do the right things with calm and protect the citizens of the world. It’s doable."
Meanwhile in the UK, health secretary Matt Hancock has been speaking in the House of Commons this evening.
He said Parliament will be kept open.
Mr Hancock said: “This afternoon the World Health Organisation declared coronavirus a global pandemic. I’ve spoken to the leader of the House and we have had discussions Mr Speaker, and we have resolved that we will keep Parliament open.
“Of course, in some ways this House may have to function differently, but the ability to hold the Government to account and to legislate are as vital in a time of emergency as in normal times - our democracy is the foundation of our way of life.”
He added that the Government will continue to work closely with Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, the Lord Speaker and the authorities in both Houses in the coming days and weeks.
Mr Hancock added: “As the leader of the House said in business questions last week the public will expect Parliament to sit and to get on with its job. Our approach will be guided by the best scientific evidence and medical advice and we will take all necessary measures to deal with this outbreak.”
He said: “A cross parliamentary group of senior managers meets daily to plan the response to Covid-19 and to ensure business continuity with close input from the Government.
“It is essential that the parliamentary authorities continue this work closely with the Government and in line with medical advice and I commit us to that endeavour.”
