From Our Bureau
16th April 2020
The Corona Virus (CPVID-19) pandemic situation continued to remain grim globally, with the confirmed cases across the world jumping to 19,91,562 and the death toll reaching 1,30,885 in the 213 affected countries and territories, according to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Globally, European region continued to be the worst-hit, with 10,13,093 confirmed cases and 89,317 deaths. American region came next with 7,07,121 confirmed cases and 30,245 deaths. Western Pacific region’s tally stood at 1,25,571 confirmed cases and 4,239 deaths. Eastern Mediterranean region reported 1,11,432 confirmed cases and 5,532 deaths. South-East Asia region recorded 21,790 confirmed cases and 990 deaths and African region witnessed 11,843 confirmed cases and 550 deaths. WHO Risk Assessment at global level remained very high.
No new country/territory/area reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. Speaking at the COVID-19 media briefing yesterday, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros stressed that our “commitment to public health, science and to serving all the people of the world without fear or favour remains absolute.”
Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19: existing rules and regulations to protect health and reduce harm caused by alcohol such as restricting access, should be upheld and even reinforced during the outbreak.
In India, WHO is deploying its national polio surveillance network and other field staff to help with the COVID-19 response. (eom)
