Coronavirus crisis: WHO chief in quarantine after contact with COVID-19 positive person
TEDROS Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation, has said he has been identified as having been in contact with someone with coronavirus.
WHO warns there is ‘no silver bullet' for COVID-19
The global health watchdog leader announced the news late on Sunday night, adding he would now be entering a period of self-isolation. However, he claimed he was not showing any symptoms and would continue to work from home.
In a series of tweets, Dr Tedros said: “I have been identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID19.
“I am well and without symptoms but will self-quarantine over the coming days, in line with World Health Organisation protocols, and work from home.
“It is critically important that we all comply with health guidance. This is how we will break chains of #COVID19 transmission, suppress the virus, and protect health systems.”
Dr Tedros claims to be based in Geneva, Switzerland, according to his Twitter bio.
From tomorrow, the Swiss capital is due to enter into a partial lockdown in order to counter what authorities called “a surge in cases and hospitalisations due to COVID-19”.
An official statement on Sunday noted daily cases had exceeded 1,000 “in recent days” with a peak of 1,338 on October 30.
READ: Coronavirus fraud warning: Unethical online puppy sales soar during lockdown
Closures would affect cinemas, museums, gyms, and ice rinks. Home deliveries and take-aways are permitted, and gatherings in public spaces of up to five people are permitted.
Dr Tedros’ self-isolation comes just days after the WHO leader hit out at national governments around the world for showing “disrespect” for scientists regarding coronavirus measures.
He said in a regular briefing held by the health body that “there has been political division at the national level”.
DON'T MISS:
Spanish PM appeals for calm after chaos grips Spain following coronavirus protests [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus chaos: UK reports over 23k cases as England approaches critical lockdown [ANALYSIS]
Coronavirus farce: NHS test and trace app failing to contact users due to glitch [INFO]
He added: “Where there has been blatant disrespect for science and health professionals, confusion has spread, and cases and deaths have mounted.”
In recent weeks, a rise in cases around the world has led various nations to implement sweeping national lockdown measures in a bid to control the virus.
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron said a second national lockdown, which started on Friday, would last until the end of November.
The new rules will see non-essential shops including bars and restaurants forced to close.
Mr Macron warned the country would have to “brutally” implement the new measures, which mean people can only leave their homes for work, essential shopping, or “to go for a walk near your house”.
He added: “The virus is circulating at a speed that not even the most pessimistic forecasts had anticipated.”
In the past 24 hours, France has recorded 46,290 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the country’s total to 1,413,915.
Meanwhile, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced new national lockdown measures starting today, which would also force non-essential shops to close.
Mr De Croo called the new restrictions “last-chance measures,” while health minister Frank Vandenbroucke they would “bring our social life to a complete standstill”.
The announcement was made on October 30, when Belgium had the highest infection rate in Europe.