WHO Official Warns Against Easing Measures To Combat Coronavirus

World Health Organisation (WHO) European director Hans Kluge, speaks during a joint press conference on the Danish handling of coronavirus in Eigtved's Pakhus, Copenhagen, Denmark, on March 27, 2020. (Photo by Ida Gu... World Health Organisation (WHO) European director Hans Kluge, speaks during a joint press conference on the Danish handling of coronavirus in Eigtved's Pakhus, Copenhagen, Denmark, on March 27, 2020. (Photo by Ida Guldbaek Arentsen / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo by IDA GULDBAEK ARENTSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images) MORE LESS
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GENEVA — The head of the World Health Organization’s Europe office says a trend of decline in the rate of increase in new coronavirus cases does not mean it’s time to relax measures aimed to stop its spread.

Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, also said some countries “are experiencing a rapid increase in cases or a fresh surge,” and called for continued vigilance. He noted measures taken in many countries to shut schools and businesses.

“We still have a long way to go in the marathon and the progress we have made so far in fighting the virus is extremely fragile,” he said. “To think we are coming close to an endpoint would be a dangerous thing to do. The virus leaves no room for error or complacency.”

He said countries that any prospect of easing lockdowns or physical distancing measures “requires very careful consideration,” such as by considering if health systems are prepared.

“Many of us are looking forward to celebrating Easter with better weather but this is not the time to lower our guard,” Kluge told a video news conference from Copenhagen. “We must soldier on.”

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