WHO Suggests Europe Is Showing Signs of Coronavirus Recovery

The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that countries across Europe are showing "encouraging signs" that they are well equipped to deal with surges in the number of coronavirus cases. These numbers continue to rise since the easing of lockdown restrictions began.

Bruce Aylward, Senior Advisor to the Director-General, reported in the WHO media briefing that there has been an increased in the knowledge, capacities and skill sets in dealing with coronavirus cases since the height of pandemic in Europe in March.

In areas where there were rapidly increasing curves, it has been identified that they know how to put in place the individual measures, and as a result there has been signs of a very rapid reversal in some areas of Europe.

Alyward mentioned that Europe has learned to identify, isolate and quarantine. And while they cannot be complacent at this point, the knowledge skills that have been built are encouraging signs that the initial upswings in Spring can be turned around. 

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Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer of Department of Health, attributed the improvement in the epidemiological situation to the willingness of the public to adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

The COVID-19 outbreak led to the closure of borders in many countries in an attempt to control its spread. This has caused a huge socio-economic impact, leading to closure of business and forcing workers to stay home. 

The pandemic highlighted cracks in the health system which the world has been facing since its start.

Based on a WHO survey on 105 countries' reports, 90% of these countries experienced disruption to their health services. Those belonging to the low and middle-income countries experience the most difficulties.

Mostly life-saving emergency services were the ones affected in almost a quarter of the countries that responded. 

Key Steps to Take Before Opening Up

According to the Director-General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, there were four key steps that need to be taken to reduce the spread of disease and allow the society to safely reopen.

• Avoid social gatherings. Social distancing does not mean total isolation. There are still activities that can be enjoyed at the comforts of your own home with minimal people involved.
• Protect vulnerable groups. This includes the elderly, essential workers, people with underlying medical condition. This will reduce deaths thus reducing stress in the healthcare system.
• Individuals must take part in following health and safety guidelines. This includes observing proper social distancing, proper handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds, and wearing of a face mask whenever there is a need to go out.
• Government must take action to find, isolate, test and care for cases and provide contract-tracing.

If countries are determined to open up, they must also be serious in helping stop the further spread of this disease. It is possible to strike a balance between carrying out daily activities and behaving in a way that protects one another. 

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