World Health Organization (WHO)Verified account

"Under agreed guidelines between WHO, the @OIEAnimalHealth & @FAO, we had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing. It also gives us a standard format to use for any future coronavirus outbreaks"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"As of 6am Geneva time this morning, there were 42,708 confirmed #COVID19 cases reported in #China & tragically we have now surpassed 1000 deaths - 1017 people in have lost their lives to this virus. Outside , there are 393 cases in 24 countries, with 1 death"-@DrTedros

"Last week I told you that we had engaged WHO’s network of country representatives, as well as the @UN resident coordinators, to brief them on the outbreak and inform them about the steps they can take"-@DrTedros @COVID19

"I also briefed the Secretary-General @antonioguterres and we agreed to leverage the power of the entire @UN system in the #COVID19 response"-@DrTedros

"We have also activated a UN Crisis Management Team, to be led by @DrMikeRyan. This will help WHO focus on the health response while the other agencies can bring their expertise to bear on the wider social, economic & developmental implications of the #COVID19 outbreak"-@DrTedros

"As you know, today and tomorrow WHO is hosting a meeting of more than 400 scientists from around the world, both in person and virtually. The main outcome we expect from this meeting is not immediate answers to every question"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"The main outcome is an agreed roadmap on what questions we need to ask, and how we will go about answering those questions. This is exactly what WHO is for – bringing the world together to coordinate the response"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"A research roadmap is also important for organizations that fund research to have a clear sense of what the public health priorities are, so they can make investments that deliver the biggest public health impact"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"The development of vaccines & therapeutics is one important part of the research agenda – but it is only one part. They will take time to develop, but in the meantime, we are not defenceless"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"There are many basic public health interventions that are available to us now, and which can prevent infections now. We’ve sent supplies to countries to diagnose and treat patients and protect #healthworkers"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"We’ve advised countries on how to prevent the spread of #COVID19 & care for those who are sick. We’re strengthening lab capacity all over the world. We’re training thousands of #healthworkers"-@DrTedros

"We’re keeping the public informed about what everyone can do to protect their own health & that of others. Clean your hands regularly, either with alcohol-based rub or soap and water"-@DrTedros #COVID19https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1218275053793619968?s=20 …

"Keep your distance from someone who is coughing or sneezing. And when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"It’s also important to remember that while we need investment in R&D, we also need investment in stopping the #COVID19 outbreak NOW. Last week, WHO issued a call for $675 million, which is what the world needs to support preparedness & response operations in countries"-@DrTedros

"We thank those countries that have contributed so far & we call on all those who haven’t to contribute urgently"-@DrTedros #COVID19

"If we invest now in rational and evidence-based interventions, we have a realistic chance of stopping the #COVID19 outbreak. If we don’t, we could have far more cases – and far higher costs – on our hands"-@DrTedros