The global number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has surpassed 100,000, the World Health
Organization (WHO) reported on Saturday.
“As we mark this sombre moment, the World Health Organization reminds all countries and communities that the spread of
this virus can be significantly slowed or even reversed through the implementation of robust containment and control
activities”, the UN agency said in a statement.
WHO urged countries to continue efforts that have been effective in limiting the number of cases and slowing the spread of
the virus, first identified in Wuhan, China, last December.
Actions include identifying people who are sick with the respiratory disease and bringing them to care, as well as
following up on contacts, preparing health facilities to manage a surge in patients, and training health workers.
“Every effort to contain the virus and slow the spread saves lives”, the statement said.
“These efforts give health systems and all of society much needed time to prepare, and researchers more time to identify
effective treatments and develop vaccines”.
WHO will continue to work with countries and partners to coordinate international response to the disease, and to
develop guidance, distribute supplies and inform people how to protect themselves and others.
“We must stop, contain, control, delay and reduce the impact of this virus at every opportunity”, said WHO, adding that
everyone can contribute “whether in the home, the community, the health care system, the work place or the transport
system”.