Six new countries (two each region) from three continents of African, Americas and Western Pacific have reported cases of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organisation -WHO report on 20th March 2020.
"This service will provide the latest news and information on COVID-19, including details on symptoms and how people can protect themselves. The Health Alert service is now available in English and will be introduced in other languages next week." Indicates WHO in statement
To access it, send the word "hi" to the following number on WhatsApp: +41 798 931 892.
WHO messaging will be a great way to dispel myths dominant among Malawians which are being spread through social media including WhatsApp and Facebook.
The country has not yet registered any Coronavirus case but it's neighboring countries of Zambia and Tanzania have registered confirmed cases.
On Friday, state President Peter Mutharika declared State of Disaster in the country following COVID-19 threat.
He appealed to Malawians to ignore all claims that black people are immune to the disease or that the warm climate of Africa is protective against the virus.
"I strongly advise that you should disregard these myths and follow precautionary measures." He pleaded
He said precautionary measures that government is recommending includes washing of hands frequently with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitiser; stop handshakes, maintain social distance with people; practice cough hygiene and seek medical care whenever feeling unwell.
While calling politicians to stop politicising the disease, he also cautioned individuals that are using the Corona virus threat and the social media for political reasons and to express their personal hate.
"Stop creating panic. Stop spreading rumors on the virus. Your actions are frustrating the fight against the Corona Virus. Love your county. Be humane." Emphasised Mutharika
Schools have been ordered to close by Monday, March 23, 2020, restricted public gathering to 100 people and ban of visas, travels to and from affected countries including ban on hosting international conferences.
Meanwhile WHO has indicated that the first vaccine trial has begun just 60 days after the genetic sequence of the virus was shared by China.
"This is an incredible achievement. To ensure clear evidence of which treatments are most effective, WHO and its partners are organizing a large international study, called the Solidarity Trial, in many countries to compare different treatments." Indicates WHO
Among others, WHO and Global Citizen launched #TogetherAtHome, a virtual, no-contact concert series to promote physical distancing and action for global health.
Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, kicked it off earlier this week with a performance from his home.
Who indicates that more Solidarity Sessions are planned to promote health, show support for people who are staying at home to protect
themselves and others from COVID-19, and encourage donations to the
COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
Situation In Numbers as of March 20, 2020
Globally
- 234 073 confirmed (new 24 247)
- 9840 deaths (new 1061)
Western Pacific Region
- 93 349 confirmed (new 1016)
- 3405 deaths (new 28)
European Region
- 104 591 confirmed (new 17 506)
- 4899 deaths (new 816)
South-East Asia Region
- 918 confirmed (new 261)
- 31 deaths (new 8)
Eastern Mediterranean Region
- 20 759 confirmed (new 1254)
- 1312 deaths (new 151)
Region of the Americas
- 13 271 confirmed (new 4104)
- 178 deaths (new 57)
African Region
- 473 confirmed (new 106)
- 8 deaths (new 1)
WHO indicates that risk assessment
on global level remain very high.
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