Coronavirus situation improving in Europe, worsening globally: WHO

Speaking during a virtual press conference, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Although the situation in Europe is improving, globally it is worsening."

"More than 100,000 cases have been reported on 9 of the past 10 days. Yesterday, more than 136,000 cases were reported, the most in a single day so far," he said.

He said almost 75% of yesterday’s cases come from 10 countries, mostly in the Americas and South Asia.

"Most countries in the African region are still experiencing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, with some reporting cases in new geographic areas, although most countries in the region have less than 1000 cases," Ghebreyesus said.

"In these countries, the biggest threat now is complacency. Results from studies to see how much of the population has been exposed to the virus show that most people globally are still susceptible to infection," he said.

WHO supports anti-racism protest:

The WHO chief said they fully support equality and the global movement against racism. "We reject discrimination of all kinds," he added.

"We encourage all those protesting around the world to do so safely. As much as possible, keep at least 1 metre from others, clean your hands, cover your cough and wear a mask if you attend a protest."

"We remind all people to stay home if you are sick and contact a health care provider," he said during the press conference.

"We also encourage countries to strengthen the fundamental public health measures that remain the basis of the response: find, isolate, test and care for every case, and trace and quarantine every contact," he added.