Global COVID-19 situation worsening

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General said on Monday that although the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe is improving, globally it is worsening. The WHO chief made the statement at a regular media briefing. He noted that the cases in most African countries are increasing and some are occurring in new areas, adding that cases in East Europe and some Central Asian countries are increasing as well. WHO Health Emergencies Program Executive Director Michael Ryan said the pandemic situation in Central and South America are the most complicated.

The Director-General said WHO urges countries to take active surveillance to ensure the virus does not rebound, especially during mass gatherings of all kinds. He reminded those who attended mass gatherings to take precautions and those who are sick or have suggestive symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home.