WHO "Supports Anti-Racism Protests... Protesters Must Wear Masks"

WHO Secretary-General "COVID-19 Situation Worsens Globally"

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General / Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] The World Health Organization (WHO) recently expressed support for the anti-racism protests taking place not only in the United States but also in several other countries, while urging people to follow preventive measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), such as wearing masks.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said this during a virtual press briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 8th (local time).

Director-General Ghebreyesus stated, "WHO fully supports the global movement for equality and against racism. We reject all forms of discrimination."

He emphasized that protests should be conducted safely by maintaining at least 1 meter distance between participants, keeping hands clean, practicing proper cough etiquette, wearing masks, and staying home and informing healthcare workers if feeling unwell.

He also called on governments worldwide to actively monitor and prevent a resurgence of COVID-19.

Director-General Ghebreyesus reported that as of the 7th, more than 136,000 new confirmed cases were reported globally in a single day, the highest number recorded, adding, "The situation in Europe is improving, but globally it is worsening."

He continued, "Now is not the time for any country to take their foot off the pedal," urging governments to continue their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.