WHO: Measures can only be lifted once adequate public health measures are in place

(Patria) – Countries considering lifting quarantines should do so slowly and 'in a controlled manner', warns the World Health Organization.

'This should not happen all at once', said WHO Director Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus at a press conference. He warned that the coronavirus spreads and intensifies very quickly, but 'retreats slowly'.

- In other words, the downward path is much slower than the upward path, emphasized the WHO leader.

He also warned that emergency measures can only be lifted once adequate public health measures are in place, which includes 'significant contact tracing capacity (of infected individuals)'.

Dr. Tedros pointed out that Western-style measures may not be practical for underdeveloped countries:

- Many poor people, migrants, and refugees already live in poor conditions in overcrowded camps with insufficient resources and access to healthcare, explained the WHO Director, posing the question 'how to survive quarantine when you depend on your work for food?'

Spain, the second most affected European country, has partially reopened some factories, offices, and construction sites. Somewhat encouraging numbers are coming from that country, indicating a decrease in fatalities, which could suggest that the epidemic has peaked there.

French President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation on television on Monday at 8:00 PM to announce the extension of the country's emergency 'lockdown' measures.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced something similar earlier - Italy will remain in quarantine until May 3rd.