ASEAN Summit, WHO Calls Too Early Country Claims Free Covid-19

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned the entire country that it was still too early to claim that there was no pandemic. corona virus.

That, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said, was said by Ghebreyesus at the ASEAN + 3 summit practically Tuesday afternoon (4/14). In addition to the 10 ASEAN leaders, the special summit to discuss Covid-19 was also attended by leaders from China, South Korea and Japan.

“Still related to the statement by the WHO Director-General, he said it was too early for countries to claim the victory of Covid-19. Because in fact there was still an increase in crown cases in almost every country in the world” Retno said, repeating Ghebreyesus’ statement at a virtual press conference after he accompanied President Joko Widodo at the ASEAN + 3 summit.

Retno said Ghebreyesus emphasized that the threat from the Covid-19 epidemic currently facing several countries is currently a threat to every country in the world. Therefore, Retno said it was very important for countries to emphasize international cooperation in the midst of domestic work to manage the Covid-19 outbreak.

So far, the Covid-19 outbreak has spread to 210 countries and regions. Retno said that according to data presented by Vietnam as ASEAN president this year, the total number of crown cases in all member countries had reached 19,997 patients with 884 deaths by Monday (4/13).

Photo: CNN Indonesia / Fajrian

Meanwhile, there are still some countries and regions in the world that claim not to have a crown case. There are also some countries that are considered to have passed the peak of the Covid-19 crisis, and so began to loosen a series of restrictions on movement policies.

Retno said that all ASEAN + 3 member countries agreed to strengthen cooperation, especially in the exchange of information and the best experience regarding the management and medical care policy for Covid-19 in the region.

In addition, Retno said that the 10 ASEAN member countries along with Japan, South Korea and China agreed to strengthen national and regional capacity to respond to the pandemic situation. Capacity development includes protection of medical personnel, appropriate medications, vaccines, and other medical devices.

Retno also said that member countries agreed to consider establishing a medical supply center that could make it easier for ASEAN + 3 countries to respond to health emergencies.

“President Joko Widodo also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to build resilience related to this pandemic. Given that China, South Korea, and Japan are among the countries that first faced the outbreak of the crown, their experience is very important to share with ASEAN countries, “Retno said. (rds / evn)