Early lockdowns might cause a resurgence of Covid-19 infections according to the World Health Organization which advises countries to adapt to lockdowns and restrictions as the new normal.
During an online press conference on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Takeshi Kasai said lifting lockdowns should be a gradual process and done only when there is an assurance of safety.
Mr. Kasai argued that even though lockdowns and other restrictions have proven to be effective to a certain level, it does not mean the infections have been dealt with completely.
“At least until a vaccine, or a very effective treatment, is found, this process will need to become our new normal. We must adapt our lives and health systems along with the epidemic.”
For any government that considers lifting any form of restrictions, it should do so in steps and carefully while at the same time monitoring the situation of the pandemic.
This announcement comes after some countries started to ease their lockdowns by reopening shops and businesses after witnessing flattening curves of the Covid-19 infections.
In Europe, Denmark, Germany Norway, Austria, Switzerland are considering easing their restrictions and going back to their normal lives.
Africa’s Ghana became the first country in the continent to lift restrictions on its two big cities after the country rolled out rapid Covid-19 tests even though mass gatherings are banned and schools remain closed.
Other countries that have eased their restrictions include Spain, the US, Finland, Slovenia, India, China, Belgium, Iran, New Zealand, Poland Czech Republic, Poland, and Italy.
So far the total number of Covid-19 infections is 2,490,516 with a death toll of 170,597 and 653,577 recoveries.US still has the highest number of cases as well as deaths, followed by countries in Europe.
The countries with the highest number of infections have also recorded a high mortality rate.