WHO Regional Director for the Americas, Dr Carissa Etienne, has warned of disruptions to regular health services due to COVID-19. Health workers have been redirected to care for COVID-19 patients, people are hesitating to seek routine care due to fears of infection, and global supply chains of medicines and equipment are strained.

With over 18 million cases reported today, and new cases rising by around 250 000 each day, now is not the time to be complacent. Assome economies and societies open up, WHO continues to urgethe public to remain vigilant and take precautions to avoid getting COVID-19; while urging countries to increasetesting and contact tracing to ensure no cases are missedand ensure appropriate treatment is available.

WHO has published a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Progress Report. The report highlights the progress made from 1 February to 30 June 2020 under the three objectives outlined in the Strategic Response and Preparedness Plan: scaling up international coordination and support; scaling up country preparedness and response by pillar; and accelerating research and innovation.

WHO has published a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Progress Report. The report highlights the progress made from 1 February to 30 June 2020 under the three objectives outlined in the Strategic Response and Reparedness Plan: scaling up international coordination and support, scaling up country preparedness and response by pillar and accelerating research and innovation. The report also discusses some of the key challenges faced, and provides an update on the resource requirements for the next phase of WHO’s response.

The fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding COVID-19 was convened by the WHO Director-General on 31 July 2020. The Director-General declared that the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The recommendations from the Emergency Committee highlight the need for response effortsto continue over the long term.