WHO "COVID-19 May Never Completely Disappear"

by Lee Hyunwoo

Published 14 May.2020 09:10(KST)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that contrary to expectations, the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) may not be controlled in a short period and could have an impact over a very long duration. In a situation where vaccines, treatments, and even diagnostic capabilities are not accurate, if lockdown measures are eased too quickly, the disease could become endemic.

Michael Ryan, WHO Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Programme, said at a virtual press briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 13th (local time), "There is a possibility that the COVID-19 virus will never completely disappear," adding, "If a vaccine is not developed, it could take years before sufficient immunity is established worldwide." He further warned, "If lockdown measures are eased without the ability to detect new outbreak cases, a vicious cycle of worsening public health and economic conditions could continue."

This is interpreted as a warning regarding the growing concerns of a second wave of infections following the recent easing of lockdown measures in the United States and Europe. Ryan stated, "This virus may become endemic in our communities and could return every year," and signed off by saying, "It will not disappear like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)."

Prior to Ryan's briefing, Sumya Swaminathan, WHO Chief Scientist, gave a pessimistic outlook in an interview with a foreign media outlet. She said, "It could take about four to five years to control the virus," adding, "Vaccine development is currently the best approach, but after development, production and distribution issues will take time, and meanwhile, the virus may mutate again, risking the vaccine's effectiveness being compromised."