Covid-19: Epicentre of the virus remains in the Americas

In the most recent update from the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) director general, he announced that 230 0000 cases of Covid-19 had been reported to WHO on July 12.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the media on Monday that almost 80 per cent of those cases were reported from just 10 countries, and 50 per cent 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.”

“There are roughly four situations playing out across the world at the moment,” Dr Tedros said.

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The first situation is countries that were alert and and prepared and responded rapidly and effectively to the first cases. “As a result, they have so far avoided large outbreaks.”

“Several countries in the Mekong region, the Pacific, the Caribbean and Africa fit into that category. They pursued a comprehensive strategy to find, isolate, test and care for cases, and to trace and quarantine contacts, and were able to suppress the virus.”

The second situation is countries in which there was a major outbreak that was brought under control through a combination of strong leadership and populations adhering to key public health measures.

“In both of the first two situations, where countries have effectively suppressed the virus, leaders are opening up their societies on a data-driven, step-by-step basis, with a comprehensive public health approach, backed by a strong health workforce and community buy-in.”

“The third situation we’re seeing is countries that overcame the first peak of the outbreak, but having eased restrictions, are now struggling with new peaks and accelerating cases.

“In several countries across the world, we are now seeing dangerous increases in cases, and hospital wards filling up again. It would appear that many countries are losing gains made as proven measures to reduce risk are not implemented or followed.”

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The fourth situation is those countries that are in the intense transmission phase of their outbreak.

“We’re seeing this across the Americas, South Asia, and several countries in Africa. The epicentre of the virus remains in the Americas, where more than 50 per cent of the world’s cases have been recorded.

“Let me blunt, too many countries are headed in the wrong direction. The virus remains public enemy number one, but the actions of many governments and people do not reflect this.”

“If the basics aren’t followed, there is only one way this pandemic is going to go. It’s going to get worse,” said Dr Tedros

He said there is a roadmap to a situation where countries can control the disease.

It requires a focus on reducing mortality and suppressing transmission.

“It also needs an empowered, engaged community that takes individual behaviour measures in the interest of each other and thirdly we need strong government leadership and coordination of comprehensive strategies that are communicated clearly and consistently.”

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