WHO Declares COVID-19 Pandemic: Voice of America

COVID-19 is now officially a global pandemic. The World Health Organization had resisted the declaration to avoid panics or notions that prevention is useless. “All countries can still change the course of this pandemic,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He pointed out that “Some countries struggle with a lack of capacity. Some countries are struggling with a lack of resources. Some countries struggle with a lack of resolve.” He added, “We need each other.” Everyone can take precautions with good hygiene and social distancing while avoiding crowds and close contact in enclosed spaces. Governments are focusing on fiscal interventions to maintain economies. WHO took the move because of the rapid spread to more than 100 nations and the lack of coordinated action among some nations. He did not specify names. – YaleGlobal