WHO warns masks are no silver bullet for ending pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday that wearing masks alone would not be enough to defeat the global coronavirus pandemic, which has now killed more than 70,000 people.
“Masks should only ever be used as part of a comprehensive package of interventions. There is no black or white answer, and no silver bullet.
“Masks alone cannot stop the COVID-19 pandemic,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news conference.
However, he stressed that the mass use of medical masks could exacerbate the shortage of protective equipment for healthcare workers.
Tedros also lashed out at “racist” suggestions from some scientists that Africa could be used as a testing ground for a vaccine, which is thought to be 12 to 18 months away.
“Africa cannot and will not be a testing ground for any vaccine,” he said, adding that the suggestion was a hangover from the “colonial mentality”.
“It was a disgrace, appalling, to hear during the 21st century, to hear from scientists, that kind of remark. We condemn this in the strongest terms possible, and we assure you that this will not happen,” he added.
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In other news – Scandal! actor Given Stuurman welcomes his beautiful newborn baby Girl – Pictures
Congratulations are in order for Scandal! actor Given Stuurman after he and his girlfriend welcomed their first child into the world on Sunday evening.
The baby girl was born at Netcare Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg. Given, who plays the well-known character of Kgosi on the popular soapie, continue reading
Source: AFP
