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The World Health Organisation on Friday evening (IST) addressed a press conference on the coronavirus epidemic, as the case count crossed 5,000 globally. The WHO conference was addressed by agency's Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Executive Director Dr Michael J Ryan and Technical Lead of the agency's Emergency Response Team Dr Marie Von Kerkhove.
"Some countries imposed the travel ban later. Some had them in place early," WHO officials replied, when asked about the travel ban in place by India. New Delhi has imposed far-reaching travel restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the epidemic, which includes a blanket cancellation on all short-term visas extended to foreign nationals until April 15. Indian citizens returning from abroad will be allowed to enter the country at a port-of-call, given they undergo necessary quarantine procedure based on their travel and medical history.
The WHO cautioned that "every single person on the planet should know signs and symptoms of COVID-19."
Updates:
9:39 PM: On a question on travel restrictions imposed by India in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, WHO's Executive Director Dr Michael J Ryan said that he won't be able to comment on individual country cases. "Some countries imposed the travel ban later. Some had them in place early," he said.
9:45 PM: WHO's Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appealed to all religious and community leaders across the world to cooperate with authorities in tackling the surge in cases.
9:47 PM: Dr Ryan, in response to a question by a Pakistan journalist, said that Pakistan faces severe challenges in tackling the epidemic.
9: 49 PM: We can't predict what will happen. But we have to be prepared for what will happen," said Dr Marie Von Kerkhove, the WHO's Technical Lead, in response to a question when the coronavirus epidemic will peak. "It really depends on how aggressively the countries deal with their first cases... But it is impossible for us to say when the epidemic will peak," she said.
9: 53 PM: Dr Ryan said that there were many therapeutic options being considered for fighting the virus, which he said the WHO will only be able to disclose the next week. He said that the trials on vaccine were still on and the world health body was closely working with partners across the world.
9:55 PM: "Community acceptance in fighting the virus is really important. You need to engage with communities. You have to move ahead of the virus. The greatest error is to be paralysed with the fear of the virus," said Dr Ryan, spelling out tips to fight the virus.
10:00 PM: "In many countries, the cases are only going to increase before they start dropping," said Dr Marie, as she urged the governments to support each other.
10:01 PM: On the impact of coronavirus on the world's tourism, hospitality and aviation industries, Dr Ryan said that the mitigation of the virus would depend on individual government strategies.
