THE head of the World Health Organization stated today that the China’s “zero tolerance” policy against Covid-19 is not viable given what is known about the disease, during rare public statements by this UN body focusing on the management of the virus by a government.
“We do not believe that it is sustainable given the behavior of the virus at the moment and what we predict for the future (…) to adopt a different strategy is very important”stressed o Tentos Antanom Gebregesousduring a briefing for journalists in Geneva.
Speaking after Tentros, WHO Emergency Management Director Mike Ryan He said the impact of the “zero tolerance” policy on human rights must also be taken into account along with the impact on a country’s economy from any Covid policy.
“It’s time to press the restart button”Ryan said, noting, however, that for some time this strategy allowed China to record a very small number of deaths compared to its population.
In this context, it noted that China has recorded 15,000 deaths since the virus first appeared in the city of Wuhan in late 2019, a relatively low number compared to 999,475 in the US and more than 500,000 in India.
“It’s something China wants to protect”he admitted.
In the face of rising death toll from February to March, it makes sense for the government to react, said Michael Ryan. “But all these actions, as we have been saying from the beginning, must be taken with respect for people and human rights.”.
Late last week, China reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing a zero-sum strategy in Covid, a “huge advantage” in the fight against coronavirus. despite the outrage in Shanghaiwhere residents in a stern roar protest by knocking pots from their windows.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
