Extreme vigilance required before making an exit from lockdown: WHO

New Delhi : With several countries planning to ease restrictions and make an exit from the coronavirus lockdown, the World Health Organization has advised extreme vigilance while moving out from lockdowns due to COVID-19 that has claimed more than 270,000 lives till date.

Taking about the second wave of infections, Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO’s emergencies programme said,”If the disease persists at a low level without the capacity to investigate clusters, there’s always the risk that the virus takes off again. Now we are seeing some hope as many countries exit these so-called lockdowns. But extreme vigilance is required”.

His remarks came days after Germany eased out restrictions and suddenly saw a spike in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases. Notably, South Korea, which had managed to flatten the coronavirus curve is also witnessing a new outbreak of the dreaded virus.

Also, India has also registered its highest single-day spike soon after it eased restrictions in parts of the world.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that lifting restrictions was “complex and difficult”. He added that the “slow, steady lifting of lockdowns” is the only key to protect lives and livelihoods.