Warning that there will be no return to “the old normal”, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged people everywhere to play a part in preventing further spread of Covid-19 as global cases have surpassed 15 million and nearly 620,000 deaths.
Ten million cases were reported from 10 countries, with the United States, Brazil and India accounting for nearly half, reports UN News.
On Thursday afternoon, the US passed the milestone of four million infections.
Life-and-death decisions
“We’re asking everyone to treat the decisions about where they go, what they do, and who they meet with, as life-and-death decisions – because they are,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking from Geneva.
“It may not be your life, but your choices could be the difference between life and death for someone you love, or for a complete stranger.”
Adjust to the ‘new normal’
COVID-19 has disrupted the lives of billions across the globe, and Tedros said it is understandable that people want to get on with their lives.
“But we will not be going back to the ‘old normal’. The pandemic has already changed the way we live our lives. Part of adjusting to the ‘new normal’ is finding ways to live our lives safely,” he advised.
In recent weeks, outbreaks associated with nightclubs and other places where people gather have been reported, even in locations where virus transmission has been suppressed.
“We must remember that most people are still susceptible to this virus. As long as it’s circulating, everyone is at risk,” said Tedros, adding, “just because cases might be at a low level where you live, that doesn’t make it safe to let down your guard.”
Tedros underlined that anyone, regardless of age or where they live, can help lead efforts to beat the pandemic and build back better.
“In recent years we’ve seen young people leading grassroots movements for climate change and racial equality. Now we need young people to start a global movement for health – for a world in which health is a human right, not a privilege,” he suggested.-AP
