Good morning, good afternoon and good evening.
Globally, nearly 1.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to WHO, and more than 92,000 deaths.
In the past week, weâve seen a welcome slowing in some of the hardest-hit countries in Europe, like Spain, Italy, Germany and France.
On a personal note, I was pleased to see my friend Boris Johnson is no longer in intensive care. I wish him all the best â as I wish the best for everyone who is facing what he faced.
At the same time, weâve seen an alarming acceleration in other countries.
I want to take a moment to highlight Africa, where we are seeing the spread of the virus to rural areas. We are now seeing clusters of cases and community spread in more than 16 countries.
We anticipate severe hardship for already overstretched health systems, particularly in rural areas, which normally lack the resources of those in cities.
As Dr Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, said yesterday, this means countries need to localize the response, by urgently strengthening the existing public health and primary health care infrastructure in countries.
The recent meeting of the G20 countries expressed strong support for Africa, which must be expedited even though the numbers in Africa are still relatively small but accelerating.
I know that some countries are already planning the transition out of stay-at-home restrictions.
WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone.
At the same time, lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence.
The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly.
WHO is working with affected countries on strategies for gradually and safely easing restrictions.
Important factors to consider are:
First, that transmission is controlled;
Second, that sufficient public health and medical services are available;
