WHO: We should wait at least two more weeks before easing restrictions.

The WHO believes that easing restrictions needs to be done gradually. Photo: AFP

In its latest Strategic Update, the WHO stated that the world is at a “critical turning point” in the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that “speed, scale and equity must be the guiding principles” when deciding what measures are necessary.

According to the WHO, each country should implement comprehensive public health measures to maintain low or zero infection rates and prepare for a rapid response to control the spread of the disease.

Some of the countries hardest hit by COVID-19 are considering lifting lockdown measures and beginning to move toward restoring normal life. An update from the WHO suggests that any steps should be taken gradually, and that time should be allowed to assess their impact before proceeding further.

"To reduce the risk of renewed outbreaks, restrictions should be lifted in stages, based on an assessment of the epidemiological risks and socio-economic benefits of lifting them for different workplaces, educational institutions, and social activities," the WHO said.

"Ideally, there would be a two-week interval (corresponding to the COVID-19 incubation period) between each phase of the transition, allowing sufficient time to assess the risk of new outbreaks and to respond appropriately," the WHO stated, warning that "the risk of resurgence and outbreaks of COVID-19 will continue."

The WHO issued this recommendation as several countries are beginning to plan the lifting of restrictions. China has begun to ease some of the strict restrictions imposed in Hubei province, where the COVID-19 outbreak originated late last year. In the US, which currently has the highest number of COVID-19 infections and deaths in the world, President Donald Trump said he would authorize state governors to implement plans to reopen American businesses at an appropriate time.

Previously, the WHO had warned countries to be cautious about lifting restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at a press conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that lifting restrictions could lead to a "deadly" resurgence of the disease and stated that restrictions must be lifted gradually and under control, not all at once.

According to the online statistics website worldometers.info, as of 7:30 AM on April 16th (Vietnam time), the total number of COVID-19 cases worldwide has reached 2,077,839. The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread to 210 countries globally, claiming the lives of 134,375 people. The world has also recorded 509,853 recoveries. Currently, the United States and European countries continue to lead the world in the number of infections and deaths.

To date, the US has recorded 643,508 infections, including 28,506 deaths. In the past 24 hours, the country also recorded 2,459 deaths due to COVID-19.

In Europe, Spain currently leads in the number of infections with 177,644 positive cases of SARS-CoV-2, including 18,708 deaths. Italy has recorded the highest number of deaths on the continent, exceeding 21,000, with 165,155 confirmed cases. France has recorded 165,155 infections and 17,167 deaths. Germany has 134,753 infections and 3,892 deaths. The UK has 98,476 infections and 12,868 deaths.

Many European countries have begun to ease restrictions.

Austria was the first country in Europe to ease restrictions. Photo: cyprus-mail.com

Austria became the first country in Europe to ease restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. After recording a decrease in new infections and a gradual stabilization of cases, the government allowed thousands of shops across the country to reopen starting April 14th in an effort to restore "normal life" for its citizens.

According to the proposed easing of restrictions, Austria will reopen schools, restaurants, and hotels from mid-May. However, the Austrian government still advises people to wear masks when shopping and to continue adhering to appropriate social distancing rules to prevent a potential resurgence of the virus.

Starting on April 13th, Spain began easing lockdown measures, allowing businesses, including manufacturing and construction facilities, to resume operations as the government seeks to restart production.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez allowed some workers to return to work, while police and the Red Cross distributed face masks at train stations to commuters. However, retail stores and services remain closed and office workers are still required to work from home. Shops, bars, and public places are expected to remain closed until at least April 26.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the government made the decision to reopen certain sectors after consulting with a committee of experts. He stressed that the continued resumption of activities depends on the outcome of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Similar to other countries, the Italian government began allowing bookstores, stationery shops, and children's clothing stores to reopen from April 14th, despite the nationwide lockdown remaining in effect until May 4th. However, regions most severely affected by COVID-19, such as Lombardy and Piemonte, continue to require businesses to remain closed. Despite the decision to ease restrictions, Italy continues to advise citizens to practice personal hygiene and social distancing to prevent the spread of the disease.

On April 15th, Denmark also began reopening schools after more than a month of closure to curb the spread of COVID-19. This is the first country in Europe to decide to reopen schools. Kindergartens and primary schools reopened after being closed since March 12th. However, students are still required to observe social distancing rules to ensure safety.

The reopening of schools has only been implemented in about 50% of Denmark's administrative regions. In Copenhagen alone, about 35% of schools have reopened. All kindergartens and primary schools in Denmark are expected to reopen on April 20th. Meanwhile, secondary and high school students will continue online learning and are expected to return to school on May 10th.

In Finland, Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced the lifting of restrictions on travel to and from the Uusimaa region, which had been in place since March 28 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The EU calls for cooperation in the fight against COVID-19.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel at a joint press conference on April 15. Photo: AP

At a joint press conference of the European Commission (EC) held at its Brussels headquarters on April 15th regarding the European Union's (EU) response to the COVID-19 crisis, EC President Ursula von der Leyen called on EU countries to continue coordinating and to develop a roadmap for lifting restrictions aimed at preventing a COVID-19 outbreak across the bloc, amidst a pandemic that has claimed approximately 80,000 lives in Europe. This figure accounts for two-thirds of global deaths.

She revealed a 14-page plan outlining a roadmap for lifting restrictions across the bloc, stating: "While the path back to normal life will take time, it is clear that we cannot maintain these restrictions indefinitely."

Ursula von der Leyen stated that while the implementation of restrictions across the continent has proven effective, it has also caused a massive economic shock and placed a heavy burden on community life. EU officials estimate that the bloc's economy could shrink by as much as 10% this year, a decline unprecedented since the global economic crisis of the 1920s.

Therefore, Ursula von der Leyen called on the 27 EU member states to coordinate in lifting restrictions and to cooperate in responding to the pandemic in the coming period. She warned: “Inadequate coordination in lifting restrictions will pose risks to all member states and could create tensions between countries.” Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so member states should strive to coordinate and inform each other about the steps to be taken.

When the pandemic first broke out, many EU member states closed their borders or imposed travel restrictions without prior notice. Ursula von der Leyen hopes that the reopening of borders in the future will be done in a more systematic way.

Ursula von der Leyen's plan outlines three conditions that must be met before allowing the easing of restrictions: (1) the national health system is no longer under strain; (2) the rate of new infections decreases; (3) particularly vulnerable groups of countries can be better protected.

According to her, the gradual easing of restrictions will inevitably lead to more new infections. Therefore, the steps must be closely monitored, and even stricter measures may have to be imposed. Ursula von der Leyen stated: "We will have to live with the virus until a vaccine is developed."

Recently, EU officials have discussed the union's upcoming long-term budget package, which will be used to support economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel said that at the online conference on April 23, leaders of the 27 EU member states will discuss plans for the common budget for the period 2021-2027.

At this conference, Mr. Michel stated that the EU would make strategic adjustments to the union's common budget to support economic recovery. The goal is to get the EU single market back up and running after lockdowns and to provide further support to EU citizens. He also called on EU leaders to remain united in the future and to learn lessons from the current COVID-19 crisis.