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Mirriam Madiye
Features Writer
The World Health Organisation (WHO) director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called on the world stay alert as the holiday season approaches.
His warning comes following a decline, globally, in newly reported cases of Covid -19 last week.
At a media briefing on Covid -19 on November 30, Dr Ghebreyesus said the decline was a result of the reduced number of cases in Europe due to the tighter measures put in place in recent weeks.
“This is welcome news, but it must be interpreted with extreme caution. Gains can easily be lost, and there is still an increase in cases in other regions of the world, and an increase in deaths.
“This is no time for complacency, especially with the holiday season approaching in many cultures and countries,” he said.
He further highlighted that while the COVID-19 pandemic will change the way people celebrate the Christmas and New year holidays, that does not mean they will not rejoice.
“The changes you make will depend on where you live. Always follow your local or national guidelines presented to you,” said Dr Ghebreyesus.
He urged the people to maintain physical distancing, proper wearing of masks and avoiding unnecessary gatherings with different people from different places.
Dr Ghebreyesus highlighted that people should take into consideration that Covid -19 pandemic has a profound effect on people living with HIV, as it has for many other diseases.
“There is some evidence that people living with HIV may have an increased risk of severe diseases and death from COVID-19.
This increased risk has been compounded by disruptions to treatment for people living with HIV,” he said.
Online Reporter