Lockdowns should be lifted in two week stages according to the World Health Organisation. The global body has advised organisations that are easing lockdown measures to lift in two week stages to enable them to assess the impact of the changes they are making. WHO also warned against the resurgence of the disease that results from prematurely lifting lockdown measures.
WHO says the world is at a pivotal juncture that must be handled with equality and speed in order to combat the disease.
The address by WHO comes as hard hit countries are planning to ease the lockdown restrictions in order to save the economy. The economies have been hit the hardest by the pandemic and all economic indicators are suggesting it will be the worst economic crisis since World War II.
WHO is advising member nations to take a gradual approach if it is necessary for countries to review lockdown rules. Abrupt lifting of measures that promote social distancing can reverse the gains of the lockdowns WHO says.
“To reduce the risk of new outbreaks, measures should be lifted in a phased, step-wise manner based on an assessment of the epidemiological risks and socioeconomic benefits of lifting restrictions on different workplaces, educational institutions, and social activities…,” the WHO said.
“Ideally there would be a minimum of 2 weeks (corresponding to the incubation period of COVID-19 between each phase of the transition, to allow sufficient time to understand the risk of new outbreaks and to respond appropriately,” it added.
There is still a greater risk of a resurgence that will be detrimental to both the health of citizens and the economy according to WHO.
United States suspends funding to WHO pending investigations
The advice by WHO comes at a time then the United Sates of America has suspended the financing of the UN agency amid accusations that are being made at WHO by the largest donor of the organisation. United States President Donald Trump announced yesterday that his government was suspending its financing activities to the global body pending an investigation into the conduct of WHO and China in with regards to the covid-19 pandemic. Trump is of the opinion that China and WHO colluded to withhold information form the world and downplayed the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus.
Australia MPs have also asked their government to consider their position on the financing of the WHO after the United Stated cut its funding.
China has already started lifting some of the tough restrictions that were imposed in Hubei province where the virus is believed to have started.
Spanish construction and industrial companies have resumed operations but shops, bars and restaurants are still closed until at least 26 April 2020.