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WHO boss warns pandemic will get 'worse and worse' as new cases reach record high

Yesterday the world reported more than 230,000 new coronavirus cases - Fabrice Coffrini/REUTERS
Yesterday the world reported more than 230,000 new coronavirus cases - Fabrice Coffrini/REUTERS

There will be no return to the “old normal for the foreseeable future”, the World Health Organization has warned, after a record rise in the number of new coronavirus infections across the globe.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the WHO, told a virtual media briefing on Tuesday that the pandemic is going to “get worse and worse and worse” unless the basics of infection control are followed.

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

He added that “mixed messages” from some leaders has also undermined public trust, limiting their ability to introduce effective strategies to contain the pandemic.

In the UK public health experts have accused Cabinet Ministers of sending “confusing” messages around face masks in the last few days, while Donald Trump has been condemned for attempting to discredit his top infectious disease advisor to distract from his own failings.

“There is a lot to be concerned about,” Dr Tedros said, though he mentioned no specific examples.

The WHO situation report shows that global new cases reached a record high yesterday 
The WHO situation report shows that global new cases reached a record high yesterday

“I want to be straight with you: there will be no return to the ‘old normal’ for the foreseeable future… we all hope there will be an effective vaccine, but we need to focus on using the tools we have now to suppress transmission and save lives,” he said.

His warning comes as the globe hit yet another grim milestone on Sunday: 230,370 new cases were reported worldwide yesterday, a record breaking increase.

The United States, Brazil, India and South Africa reported the largest rises in cases, according to the WHO’s daily situation report. Dr Tedros added that 80 per cent of new cases were in just 10 countries, and 50 per cent in two.

However the number of deaths are staying relatively steady, with around 5,000 reported each day. Globally, more than 570,000 fatalities have now been reported, while the landmark of 13 million infections is expected to be hit within the next 24 hours.

But Dr Tedros insisted it was not too late to change the trajectory of the pandemic. “There is a roadmap to a situation where we can control the disease and get on with our lives,” he said.

Repeating a message he has shared for months, he said this rested on three things: a laser focus on reducing mortality and suppressing transmission; an informed public; and strong leadership.

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

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