WHO warns that Covid-19 pandemic is “not necessarily big” | Coronavirus

World Health Organization experts warn that the coronavirus pandemic is very serious, but “not necessarily big,” and the world needs to learn to live with Covid-19.

Even if the vaccine begins to be deployed in the United States and the United Kingdom, the “fate” of the virus will be endemic, said Professor David Heymann, chair of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazard.

“The world wants herd immunity, and if enough people have immunity, somehow the infection will be reduced,” he told the WHO final media briefing in 2020.

However, Hayman, an epidemiologist at the London School of Economics and Tropical Medicine, said the concept of herd immunity was misunderstood.

“It seems like the fate of SARS-CoV-2. [Covid-19] Like the other four human coronaviruses, it becomes endemic and continues to mutate as it replicates in human cells, especially in areas of stronger hospitalization.

“Fortunately, we have life-saving tools, and by combining these with good public health, we can learn to live with Covid-19.”

Dr. Mark Ryan, Head of the WHO Emergency Program, said: ..

“We still don’t know how well the vaccine is being taken or how close it is to coverage levels that may give it the opportunity to go for removal,” he said. “The presence of a vaccine, even if highly effective, does not guarantee the elimination or eradication of infectious diseases. It is a very high standard for us to overcome.”

That’s why the vaccine’s first goal was to save lives and protect the vulnerable, Ryan said. “And deal with the moonlight, which could eliminate or eradicate this virus.”

Ryan warned that the next pandemic could be more serious. “This pandemic was very serious … it affected every corner of the planet, but it’s not necessarily big,” he said.

“This is a wake-up call. We are now learning how to make things better: science, logistics, training, governance, better communication methods. But the planet is fragile.

“We live in an increasingly complex global society. These threats continue. If there is one thing we have to take from this pandemic with all the tragedy and loss. , We need to put together our actions. We need to honor those who have lost by improving their day-to-day operations. “

Dr. Somyaswaminasan, WHO Chief Scientist, explained that vaccination against the virus does not necessarily stop public health measures such as social distance in the future.

She said the first role of the vaccine was to prevent symptomatological illness, severe illness, and death. However, it remains to be seen whether the vaccine will reduce the number of infections or prevent people from transmitting the virus.

“I don’t think there is any evidence that any of the vaccines can actually prevent people from getting infected and take over the infection,” Swaminasan said. “Therefore, I think we need to assume that vaccinated people need to take the same precautions.”

WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Gebreyes said the end of the year was a time to look back on the sacrifices of the pandemic, as well as progress. He said there will be new setbacks and new challenges a year ahead.

“For example, helping new variants of Covid-19, and those who are fed up with pandemics, will continue to fight it,” he said.

“The extraordinary cooperation between the private and public sectors, especially in this pandemic, has opened new ground. And in recent weeks, safe and effective vaccine deployments have begun in many countries. Is an incredible scientific achievement.

“This is great, but WHO does not rest until people in need everywhere have access to new vaccines and are protected.”