World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a media briefing on Wednesday said the coronavirus will be with us for some time to come and issued a warning that a majority of the nations around the world are still in the early stages of fighting the pandemic. Having left more than 2.5 million people testing positive with over 180,000 succumbing to the fatal disease while more than 700,000 have managed a recovery, Dr. Tedros asserted saying, "This virus remains dangerous and most of the world remains susceptible".

WHO chief says coronavirus will be with us for a long time

Data released by the WHO has revealed most countries are still not completely equipped or prepared to fight the virus in an effective manner. WHO's figures show that 78% of the nations in the world do not possess a preparedness plan to combat the virus while 76% nations lack surveillance systems to track the positive coronavirus cases. The data further showed that less than half of the nations had a community engagement plan or an infection prevention and control program. Dr Tedros added, "We see many gaps around the world. Make no mistake, we have a long way to go. This virus will be with us for a long time,". He further stated, "The world will not and cannot go back to the way things were. There must be a new normal: a world that’s healthier, safer and better prepared."

WHO chief says coronavirus will be with us for a long time