The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised countries to test every suspected COVID-19 case, saying “it is the most effective way to prevent infections, save lives and break the chains of COVID-19 transmission.”
Who director-general Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, who gave the advice on Monday at a media briefing on COVID-19 update, said in the past week, there had been a rapid escalation of cases of COVID-19 and deaths reported in the rest of the world than in China.
“We have seen a rapid escalation in social distancing measures, like closing schools, cancelling sporting events and other gatherings. But, we haven’t seen an urgent enough escalation in testing, isolation and contact tracing, which is the backbone of the COVID-19 response,” he said.
According to him, social distancing measures can help to reduce COVID-19 transmission and enable health systems to cope.
“Hand-washing and coughing into your elbow can reduce the risk for yourself and others. But on their own, they aren’t enough to extinguish this COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s the combination that makes the difference. As I keep saying, all countries must take a comprehensive approach.
“But the most effective way to prevent infections and save lives is breaking the chains of COVID-19 transmission. To do that, you must test and isolate.
“You cannot fight a fire blindfolded, and we cannot stop this pandemic if we don’t know who is infected.”
Ghebreyesus stressed that every suspected COVID-19 case that tested positive should be isolated, and contact tracing of all that came in close contact with the case up to two days before the case developed symptoms should also be tested.
“But we recognise that many countries have already exceeded their capacity to care for mild cases in dedicated hospitals. In that situation, countries should prioritise older patients and those with underlying conditions.
“Some countries have expanded their capacities by using stadiums and gyms to care for mild COVID-19 cases, with severe and critical cases cared for in hospitals.
“Another option is for patients with mild COVID-19 to be isolated and cared for at home.”