WHO emphasises on agile response capacities, as South-East Asia Region confirms more COVID-19 cases

With India, Indonesia and Thailand confirming new cases of COVID-19, World Health Organization has asked countries in its South-East Asia Region to strengthen preparedness for all possible scenarios and ensure early containment measures.

“Top priority of countries should be to be ready to roll out speedy response to the first case, first cluster, and first evidences of community transmission. Early containment measures can help countries stop transmission,” said Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region.

Five of the 11 countries in the Region have confirmed COVID-19 cases – Thailand 43, India 28, Indonesia 2 and Sri Lanka and Nepal one each.

“The risk of the new coronavirus is very high across the world and in WHO South-East Asia Region. More cases can be expected. Rapidly identifying these cases, isolating them and following their contacts are important initiatives to help limit person to person transmission. The speed of our response is critical, which is only possible if we are prepared,” the Regional Director said.

Dr. Khetrapal Singh said there are three priorities for country readiness – protecting health workers, engaging with communities and empowering them with timely and accurate information to enable them take protective measures, especially those at highest risk; and doing our best to contain epidemics in the most vulnerable countries.

The virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms as well as more severe disease. Patients have a range of symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Based on current data, globally 81% of cases seem to have mild disease, about 14% appear to progress to severe disease, and some 5% are critical.

People can protect themselves and prevent spread of the virus by practicing hand hygiene, covering their cough and sneeze, maintaining distance from others if they are sick and from those who are sick, she said.

Infection prevention and control is of critical importance in health facilities for COVID-19.

Outlining preparedness and response measures and capacities in the WHO South-East Asia Region, Dr. Khetrapal Singh said, WHO is assisting countries in preparedness and response planning, in coordination with other partner organisation; as per updated global guidelines. All member countries have rolled out a series of measures to prevent the disease and protect their nationals. Nine of the 11 countries now have capacities to test for COVID-19. WHO is supporting countries with supplies for laboratories. For countries unable to test, WHO is assisting in shipping of their samples to global referral laboratories, three of them in the Region – two in Thailand and one in India.Nearly 300,000 pieces of personal protective equipment comprising of caps, goggles, surgical masks, gloves gowns, etc., have been supplied to member countries, and nearly 200,000 more pieces are being procured.

WHO is conducting web trainings for countries in critical areas of preparedness and response such as surveillance, testing in laboratories, clinical management of cases, infection prevention and control, communicating the disease to the community, etc.

Globally, WHO is constantly analysing data, as more information comes in, and is working closely with global experts to better understand transmission, risk factors, and source of the infection. 

On 28 February, WHO raised the risk assessment for the COVID-19 outbreak internationally from “high” to “very high” nearly a month after the novel coronavirus was declared a public health emergency of international concern – WHO’s highest level alarm.

Here are 10 things you can do to prevent COVID-19:

1. Clean your hands regularly – wash with soap and water, or clean with alcohol-based hand rub 2. Clean surfaces regularly with disinfectant – for example kitchen benches and work desks;

3. Educate yourself about COVID-19. Make sure your information comes from reliable sources;4. Avoid traveling if you have a fever or cough, and if you become sick while on a flight, inform the crew immediately. Once you get to your destination, make contact with a health professional and tell them about where you have been;

5. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve. If using a tissue, dispose of the tissue immediately into a closed rubbish bin, and then clean your hands;

6. Take extra precautions to avoid crowded areas if you are over 60 years old, or if you have an underlying condition;

7. If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your doctor or local health professional;

8. If you are sick, stay at home, and eat and sleep separately from your family, use different utensils and cutlery to eat;

9. If you develop shortness of breath, call your doctor and seek care immediately;

10. It’s normal and understandable to feel anxious, especially if you live in a country that has been affected. Find out what you can do in your community. Discuss how to stay safe in your workplace, school or place of worship.