Asymptomatic patients transmitting covid-19 rare, but fight far from over: WHO

While we can’t wait for the covid-19 battle to be over soon, WHO reminds us of how long the road is.
WHO and covid-19
The war is not over till its actually over! Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
Team Health Shots Updated: 22 Jun 2020, 11:48 am IST
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Before you begin to celebrate the growing list of covid-negative countries, hold up! With the biggest daily increase in the pandemic statistics globally and central America still far away from its peak, WHO is urging the world to not meet covid-19 with complacency. 

The covid-19 war is far from over
In an online briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “More than six months into the pandemic, this is not the time for any country to take its foot off the pedal.” 

Recently the single highest global covid-19 hike was recorded with more than 136,000 new worldwide cases. Interestingly about 75% of the hike came from America and South Asia.

With the SARS-CoV-2 cases in central American countries including Guatemala are still on the rise, WHO urges for strong government leadership and international support for countries that are fighting “complex” epidemics.

WHO and covid-19
Don’t let complacency let you think social distancing is a choice! Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

While more than 7 million people have been reported infected with the coronavirus globally and over 400,000  losing their lives to the pandemic, WHO director announced: “This is far from over.” With our country loosening its lockdown restrictions with UNLOCK 1.0, it’s integral that we take this statement seriously. Loosening of restrictions certainly isn’t synonymous with the loosening of precautions at all! 

All isn’t lost though
Although the increasing statistics might make us feel anxious, the latest WHO announcement will certainly give us the hope we crave. With half of Singapore’s coronavirus cases showing no symptoms, WHO began examining asymptomatic patients found through contact tracing in many countries. 

WHO shared that although many countries had identified asymptomatic cases, they didn’t cause further spread of the virus. Kerkhove stated that “It is very rare” showing us the silver lining we all have been seeking. 

covid-19 and WHO
It shall be calming to know that the chances of transmission through asymptomatic patients are rare but it’s still not nil! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

The takeaway?
While we all can’t wait to see the day this pandemic is over, complacency certainly won’t help us reach there faster. We all must keep following the precautions necessary to contain the virus. Following social distancing and wearing precautionary masks is non-negotiable. 

Although it’s integral to not be complacent, it’s also important to remain hopeful. While acknowledging the positive news around asymptomatic patients, let’s keep our torch of hope alive and fight this pandemic till the end. 

(with inputs from IANS)

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