As some countries around the world begin gradually easing lockdown restrictions imposed in a bid to stop the novel coronavirus from spreading, the WHO said it may never be wiped out entirely.

The virus first emerged in Wuhan in China late last year and has since infected more than 4.2 million people and killed nearly 300,000 worldwide.

“We have a new virus entering the human population for the first time and therefore it is very hard to predict when we will prevail over it,” said Michael Ryan, the WHO’s emergencies director.

WHO: We should not be waiting to see if opening of lockdowns has worked by counting bodies in morgue

Dr Mike Ryan, of the World Health Organisation (WHO), tells a press conference: “We should not be waiting to see if opening of lockdowns has worked by counting bodies in morgues.

“This virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities and this virus may never go away,” he told a virtual press conference in Geneva.

“HIV has not gone away — but we have come to terms with the virus.”

More than half of humanity has been put under some form of lockdown since the coronavirus crisis began.

But the WHO warned there was no way to guarantee that easing the restrictions would not trigger a second wave of infections.

“Many countries would like to get out of the different measures,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“But our recommendation is still the alert at any country should be at the highest level possible.”

“Long Way To Go”

Ryan added that there was a “long, long way to go” on the path to returning to normal, insisting that countries would have to stay the course.

“There is some magical thinking going on that lockdowns work perfectly and that unlocking lockdowns will go great. Both are fraught with dangers,” the Irish epidemiologist said.

Ryan also condemned attacks on healthcare workers that were linked to the pandemic, saying more than 35 “quite serious” such incidents were recorded in April alone in 11 countries.

He said the attacks were often over-reactions from ill-informed communities — while others were more sinister.

“COVID-19 is bringing out the best in us, but it’s also bringing out some of the worst,” he said.

“People feel empowered to take out their frustrations on individuals who are purely trying to help.

“These are senseless acts of violence and discrimination that must be resisted.”

But he insisted that in finding a way to conquer the virus was a chance for humanity to take major step forward by finding a vaccine and making it widely accessible.

“It’s a massive opportunity for the world,” Ryan said.

The post Coronavirus “May Never Go Away,” Warns WHO first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

In a televised address to people of the state, he said a vaccine for the virus might be developed only after a year or so and till then developing “herd immunity” was the only way to check the disease spread.

Mr Reddy said his government has a clear comprehension of the situation and, accordingly, geared up to address it.

“Corona could afflict some Yellaiah or Pullaiah, or even me. Its nothing but fever. It comes and goes. Take medicines when it comes and some care,” Mr Reddy said.

“Despite the numerous measures taken, the reality is that we can’t really contain the virus. Even if one person is left out somewhere, and if he sneezes or cough…the virus spreads. It is a never-ending process. No way the virus gets fully eliminated,” he observed.

The chief minister said that in the coming days, the virus might naturally affect everyone and would be part of life like swine flu.

“Swine flu is also a contagious disease. It just passes on. Or even chickenpox. Corona is also similar. By taking medicines and certain precautions, it gets cured,” the chief minister added.

He said the infection rate in Andhra Pradesh was just 1.6 per cent as against the national average of four per cent. 70 per cent of the 74,551 tests in the state were conducted in hotspots only, the chief minister said.

“Eighty per cent (559 mandals) of Andhra Prades is Corona-free. The virus spread is limited to 63 mandals in the red zone and 54 in the orange zone. The rest of the state is in the green zone, he pointed out.

“By God’s grace we should feel proud about it,” he remarked.

The chief minister asked people to remove the impression from their minds that corona was something dreaded or untouchable.

“Coronavirus need not be seen as untouchable or people need not feel everything is ruined with it. It’s just like an ordinary fever. And don’t show any discrimination towards the affected persons,” he reiterated.

On the ongoing lockdown, the chief minister said it caused some trouble to the common man while the state was left with no income.

“But with Gods blessings, we could mitigate the troubles. Economic activities will return to normal in the green zones (with zero Covid-19 cases) in the coming days while some restrictions in orange and red zones are inevitable,” he said.

He also said that public transport might not resume for some more time, but private vehicles would be allowed in the green zones.

“Restrictions will be eased in green zones and industries will run. There will be full focus on agriculture,” Mr Reddy added.

Special care should be taken of aged people and those with comorbidities, as the impact of coronavirus could be severe on them.

“Take good care of the elders in your houses. Also, inculcate good eating habits. Take more fruits and vegetables that improve immunity. Follow physical distancing norms as it is the only way to prevent the contagion,” the chief minister said.

He complimented and thanked all the health care workers, village volunteers, police, sanitation and revenue staff for their exemplary services in fighting the crisis.

The post “We Have To Live With Coronavirus”. Coronavirus Won’t Be “Fully Eliminated”: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.