WHO "40 Million Deaths Worldwide... Caution Needed in Lifting Quarantine Measures"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Yujin Jo and Hyunui Jo] "A tragic milestone."

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), commented on the global COVID-19 death toll surpassing 4 million during a virtual press briefing on the 7th (local time), saying, "The actual number of deaths is likely higher."

Director-General Ghebreyesus expressed concern, stating, "Many countries are experiencing a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to variant viruses and vaccine inequality, with waves of death particularly occurring in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America."

Regarding some countries with high COVID-19 vaccination rates relaxing their guard as if the pandemic is already over and even planning booster shots, he pointed out, "Vaccine nationalism is morally unjustifiable."

Director-General Ghebreyesus said, "The spread of variants is outpacing vaccine distribution, posing a threat to the global economy's recovery from the COVID-19 crisis," adding, "From moral, epidemiological, and economic perspectives, now is the time for the world to come together and collectively confront the pandemic."

Meanwhile, targeting the UK's recent announcement to fully lift COVID-19 lockdown measures as scheduled, WHO urged a cautious stance.

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO COVID-19 Technical Lead, said on the day, "Lifting restrictions could increase the risk of spreading variant viruses to areas with low vaccination rates," and emphasized, "The decision to lift restrictions must be considered very carefully."

She warned that even with high vaccination rates, a surge in cases due to variants cannot be prevented. Van Kerkhove noted, "The European region, with high vaccination rates, saw a 33% increase in new cases last week," adding, "However, high vaccination rates can create the illusion that the pandemic is over."

Michael Ryan, WHO Emergency Response Director, also stated, "The misconception that everyone is protected from COVID-19 and that life has returned to pre-pandemic normal is very dangerous." He further emphasized, "All countries must be very cautious about lifting restrictions to avoid losing the progress made in fighting COVID-19 so far."

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