WHO says coronavirus cases rose over weekend in countries that lifted lockdowns

There was a jump in the number of coronavirus cases over the weekend in some countries where stay-at-home orders and other restrictions were lifted, World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday.

“Over the weekend we saw signs of the challenges that may lie ahead. In the Republic of Korea, bars and clubs were shut as a confirmed case led to many contacts being traced,” Tedros said during a media briefing in Geneva.

“In Wuhan, China, the first cluster of cases since their lockdown was lifted was identified,” Tedros added.

“Germany has also reported an increase in cases since an easing of restrictions. Fortunately, all three countries have systems in place to detect and respond to a resurgence in cases.”

Tedros said the WHO has released guidance and six criteria for countries to consider before lifting lockdown measures.

“WHO is working closely with governments to ensure that key public health measures remain in place to deal with the challenge of lifting lockdowns,”

“Until there is a vaccine, the comprehensive package of measures is our most effective set of tools to tackle.”