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September 25, 2020 / WHO Briefing / ACT Accelerator
(*recent previous conferences were re: the COVAX Facility, iirc, not posted yet)

Opening Remarks only, full transcript not included which includes Q&A with full panel
WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 25 September 2020
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  • Today, WHO and our partners are publishing a detailed strategic plan and investment case for the urgent scale-up phase of the ACT Accelerator, building on the success of the start-up phase.
  • By the end of next year, the ACT Accelerator aims to deliver 2 billion doses of vaccine; 245 million courses of treatment; and 500 million diagnostic tests to low- and middle-income countries.
  • The number of countries joining the COVAX facility grows every day. As of today, 67 high-income countries have formally joined and another 34 are expected to sign, joining 92 lower-income countries who are eligible for financial support through Gavi.
  • The current financing gap for the ACT Accelerator stands at 35 billion dollars. Of the 35 billion dollars, 15 billion dollars is needed immediately to exploit the ACT-A progress to fund research and development, scale up manufacturing, secure procurement and strengthen delivery systems.
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Good morning, good afternoon and good evening.

With the northern hemisphere flu season approaching, and with cases and hospitalizations increasing, many countries find themselves struggling to strike the right balance between protecting public health, protecting personal liberty and protecting their economies.

So-called lockdowns and the impact on global travel and trade have already taken such a heavy toll.

The global economy is expected to contract by trillions of US dollars this year.

Many countries have poured money into domestic stimulus packages. But these investments will not on their own address the root cause of the economic crisis – which is the disease that paralyses health systems, disrupts economies and drives fear and uncertainty.

We continue to urge countries to focus on four essential priorities.

First, prevent amplifying events.

Second, protect the vulnerable.

Third, educate, empower and enable communities to protect themselves and others, using every tool at their disposal.

And fourth, get the basics right: find, isolate, test and care for cases, and trace and quarantine their contacts.

This is what works.

Effective vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics will also be vital for ending the pandemic and accelerating the global recovery.

But these life-saving tools will only be effective if they are available for the most vulnerable equitably and simultaneously in all countries.

The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator is the best bet for speeding up the development of the tools we need to save lives as fast as possible, and to make them available for as many as possible, as equitably as possible.

Today, WHO and our partners are publishing a detailed strategic plan and investment case for the urgent scale-up phase of the ACT Accelerator, building on the success of the start-up phase.

The investment case illustrates some of the considerable economic benefits from accelerating the development and deployment of tools to rapidly reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 disease globally.

By the end of next year, the ACT Accelerator aims to deliver 2 billion doses of vaccine; 245 million courses of treatment; and 500 million diagnostic tests to low- and middle-income countries.

Today’s status report shows that in just 5 months, the ACT Accelerator has made remarkable progress.

The diagnostics pillar is evaluating more than 50 tests, including rapid and accurate diagnostics, and we expect to have more news on that next week.

The therapeutics pillar is analysing more than 1,700 clinical trials for promising treatments, and has secured courses of dexamethasone for up to 4.5 million patients in lower-income countries – the only medicine shown to reduce the risk of death so far.

And COVAX – the largest and most varied portfolio of COVID-19 vaccines globally – is supporting the development of 9 vaccines, with several more in the pipeline.

The number of countries joining the COVAX Facility grows every day. As of today, 67 high-income economies have formally joined and another 34 are expected to sign, joining 92 lower-income countries who are eligible for financial support through Gavi.

Investing in COVAX increases the probability of being able to access the best vaccine and hedges the risk that countries that have entered into bilateral agreements end up with products that are not viable.

The ACT Accelerator is an unprecedented global effort.

Of course, realizing its vision needs investment.

The current financing gap for the ACT Accelerator stands at US$35 billion.

US$35 billion is a lot of money. But in the context of arresting a global pandemic and supporting the global economic recovery, it’s a bargain.

To put it in perspective, US$35 billion is less than 1% of what G20 governments have already committed to domestic economic stimulus packages.

Or to put it another way, it’s roughly equivalent to what the world spends on cigarettes every 2 weeks.

Of the US$35 billion, US$15 billion is needed immediately to fund research and development, scale up manufacturing, secure procurement and strengthen delivery systems.

Normally these steps are done sequentially. We’re doing them all at the same time, so that as soon as a product is ready to go, we can get it to the people who need it immediately.

We are not asking for an act of charity. We are asking for an investment in the global recovery.

The economic benefits from restoring international travel and trade alone would repay this investment very quickly.

Next Wednesday, world leaders will meet virtually for a high-level side event during the United Nations General Assembly to discuss the work of the ACT Accelerator, and to call for the financial commitments to realize its promise.

The window of opportunity is now. We must act now, and act together to end COVID-19.

I thank you.
 
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Cruise Ship Guidance | Quarantine | CDC


CDC is allowing crew members to disembark from all cruise ships in U.S. waters. Cruise ships with complete and accurate No Sail Order response plans are able to disembark their crew members without a signed attestation if they use non-commercial travel and follow all CDC requirements to prevent interaction of disembarking crew members with the public. Cruise company officials must sign an acknowledgement of the completeness and accuracy of their response plans. These cruise ships are also able to use commercial travel to disembark crew members if they meet certain criteria to show that they have no confirmed COVID cases or COVID-like illness onboard. Crew members on these ships that are not affected by COVID-19 can also resume some of their daily interactions with fellow crew members.

CDC is committed to helping address crew members’ questions or concerns while onboard and as they disembark. Crew members on ships in or intending to be in US waters who have questions about the process for disembarkation or who have concerns about what their ship is doing to prevent COVID-19 onboard can share them with CDC by sending an email to eocevent431@cdc.gov.

Learn more about what CDC is doing to help cruise travelers.

No Sail Order for Cruise Ships
September 30, 2020 Update

On September 30, 2020, CDC extended the No Sail Order and Suspension of Further Embarkation; Third Modification and Extension of No Sail Order and Other Measures Related to Operations that was issued on July 16, 2020. The Order is effective upon signature and will be published in the Federal Register soon.

This Order is in effect until one of the following occurs:

  • The expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency,
  • The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or
  • October 31, 2020.
See the attached order (print-only) pdf icon[PDF – 29 pages] for the full requirements.

July 16, 2020 Update

On July 16, 2020, CDC extended the No Sail Order and Suspension of Further Embarkation; Notice of Modification and Extension and Other Measures Related to Operations signed by the CDC Director on April 9, 2020—subject to the modifications and additional stipulated conditions as set forth in this Order. The Order is effective upon signature and published in the Federal Registerexternal icon on July 21, 2020.

This Order is in effect until one of the following occurs:

  • The expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency,
  • The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or
  • September 30, 2020.
See the attached order (print-only) pdf icon[PDF – 20 pages] for the full requirements.

April 9, 2020 Update

On April 9, 2020, CDC renewed the No Sail Order and Other Measures Related to Operations Order signed by the CDC Director on March 14, 2020—subject to the modifications and additional stipulated conditions as set forth in this Order. The Order is published in the Federal Register and effective as of April 15, 2020 (https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-07930external icon).

The extended Order is in effect until one of the following occurs:

  • The Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declares that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency, or
  • The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or
  • 100 days have passed from April 15, the date the extended order was published in the Federal Registerexternal icon and went into effect. 100 days from April 15 is July 24.
See the attached order (print-only) pdf icon[PDF – 9 pages] for the full requirements.

March 14, 2020 Update

The CDC Director has reason to believe that cruise ship travel may continue to introduce, transmit, or spread COVID-19. As such, the CDC Director issued a No Sail Order for cruise ships effective March 14, 2020. CDC commends the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading industry trade group, for their willingness to voluntarily suspend cruise ship operations from U.S. ports of call beginning on March 13, 2020 for the next thirty (30) days. See the attached order (print-only) pdf icon[PDF – 7 pages] for the full requirements.
 
Interim Guidance for the Mitigation of COVID-19 Among Crew During the Period of the No Sail Order | CDC
Summary of Recent Changes
July 23, 2020 Update

Added information about the second extension to CDC’s No Sail Order, effective July 16, 2020.

June 1, 2020 Update

Added requirements for use of commercial travel to disembark crew members and clarified routine testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

April 28, 2020 Update

Clarified the stipulations for disembarking asymptomatic crew for transfer or repatriation.

April 21, 2020 Update

Clarified that notification to health departments for disembarking crews must include health departments with jurisdiction for the seaport and those with jurisdiction for the crew members’ residence.

Purpose
This document provides guidance under CDC’s No Sail Order for cruise ship operations in any international, interstate, or intrastate waterways subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to help prevent, detect, and medically manage confirmed and suspected COVID-19 infections, as well as exposures among crew members during periods of suspended cruise ship operations.

As a condition of obtaining or retaining controlled free pratique to continue to engage in any cruise ship operations, the CDC Director’s No Sail Orderexternal icon, published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2020, and No Sail Order extensionexternal icon, signed on July 16, 2020, require that cruise ship operators, among other things, develop plans to prevent, mitigate, and respond to the spread of COVID-19 on board cruise ships. This interim guidance is not intended as, and does not constitute, a comprehensive statement regarding a cruise ship operator’s duties and obligations under that order. Cruise ship operators should establish mechanisms to ensure compliance with the NSO, including any plans adopted pursuant to the order, and immediately notify CDC and United States Coast Guard (USCG) of any deviations, whether intentional, or as a result of error or omission.

This interim guidance reflects CDC’s reasoned judgement based on the best available current science regarding the subject areas covered in the document. Cruise ship operators should carefully consider and incorporate this interim guidance in developing their own prevention, mitigation, and response plans.

CDC will update this interim guidance to cruise ships as needed and as additional information becomes available. CDC will notify cruise lines when this website is updated.

Preventive Measures
Cruise ships involve the movement of large numbers of people in settings where they are likely to have close contact with one another. Close-contact environments facilitate transmission of respiratory viruses from person to person through exposure to respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Cruise ships may also be a means by which infected persons travel between geographic locations.

To reduce spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, on board during the period of suspended cruise ship operations, CDC recommends that cruise ship operators:

  • Relocate all crew to single-occupancy cabins with private bathrooms
  • Instruct crew members to remain in cabins as much as possible during non-working hours
  • Cancel all face-to-face employee meetings, group events (such as employee trainings), or social gatherings
  • Close all crew bars, gyms, or other group settings
  • Implement social distancing of crew members when working or moving through the ship (maintaining at least 6 feet [2 meters] from others)
  • Instruct crew members to wear a cloth face covering when outside of individual cabins
  • Modify meal service to facilitate social distancing (e.g., reconfigure dining room seating, stagger mealtimes, encourage in-cabin dining)
  • Eliminate self-serve dining options at all crew and officer messes
  • Discourage handshaking – encourage the use of non-contact methods of greeting
  • Promote respiratory and hand hygiene and cough etiquette
  • Place hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) in multiple locations and in sufficient quantities to encourage hand hygiene
  • Ensure handwashing facilities are well-stocked with soap and paper towels
  • Place posters that encourage hand hygiene to help stop the spread in high-trafficked areas
Some exceptions to these measures can be made for those ships that have met the “Green” or “Yellow” criteria.

Surveillance for COVID-19
  • As an interim replacement to the Maritime Conveyance Cumulative Influenza/Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) Form for each international voyage, CDC requires weekly submission of the “Enhanced Data Collection (EDC) During COVID-19 Pandemic Form” during suspended cruise ship operations. This EDC Form will be used to conduct surveillance for COVID-19 among crew who remain on board cruise ships using cumulative reports of acute respiratory illness (ARI), influenza-like illness (ILI), and pneumonia, and other clinical indicators.
  • Access to the online EDC form will be provided to cruise lines by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) or CDC. Cruise lines that do not receive CLIA’s email should contact CDC (email eocevent349@cdc.gov).
  • In addition to this weekly surveillance via the online EDC form, cruise ship operators should continue to report to USCG via Advance Notice of Vessel Arrival (ANOA), which constitutes the most timely source of illness information when the cruise ship is within waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
  • Surveillance onboard should include routine testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection, including intermittent testing of a random sample of symptomatic and asymptomatic crew members. Additional information on testing can be found on CDC’s website.
CDC may publish these surveillance data on its website to inform the public.

Crew Monitoring
Crew should have twice daily temperature checks. If cruise ship operators can provide thermometers, self-temperature checks are preferable. All temperature checks should be reported to and recorded by the ship’s medical center. Additionally, crew members should be aware of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and the importance of not working and isolation in cabins while sick with fever or acute respiratory symptoms.

Disembarking Asymptomatic Crew for Transfer or Repatriation

During this period of suspended passenger operations, there are stipulations for crew transfers and repatriation.

  • Some crew will remain essential to maintaining basic ship operations (e.g., Minimum Safe Manning [MSM]). Cruise lines must submit requests to transfer crew (from one ship to another or embarking new crew members) in order to maintain basic ship operations to the U.S. Coast Guard for approval. This includes transferring necessary medical personnel or personnel necessary to maintain the seaworthiness or safety of the ship. If approved, these transfers may occur only via noncommercial transport.
  • CDC is allowing disembarkation of crew members for repatriation or non-essential transfers of crew members (for repatriation) if the cruise line attests pdf icon[PDF – 2 pages] that transport will occur only by industry-chartered private transport, industry-chartered private flights, or personal vehicles (no rental cars, taxis, or ride-share services) with measures in place to ensure those involved in transport are not exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. Such measures must include the following:
    • Before disembarking crew, cruise ship operators must give 72-hour advance notice to the local and state health departments with jurisdiction over:
      • the port of disembarkation, and
      • the state and county of residence for any US-based crew disembarking for repatriation.
    • Cruise ship operators must notify the respective national public health authorities and adhere to any testing requirements of receiving countries for any repatriated crew based outside of the US.
    • Cruise ship medical staff must screen disembarking crew members for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms compatible with COVID-19 by using temperature checks, visual observation for illness, and health questionnaires.
    • Cruise ship operators must ensure crew members with known exposures to COVID-19 are transported separately from those with no known exposure.
    • Cruise ship operators must provide face coverings, such as a cloth face covering, to disembarking crew members or confirm that they have their own face coverings. Face coverings should be worn by asymptomatic crew members during disembarkation, during transport to any flights, for the duration of the flight(s), and while taking ground transportation until they reach their final destination.
    • Cruise ship operators must instruct disembarking crew members to stay home for 14 days and continue to practice social distancing after reaching their destination.
    • Cruise ship operators must inform ship pilots, ground transportation, and air charter operators of the situation and confirm the operators have plans in place to notify and protect the health and safety of their staff (e.g., drivers, air crews).
    • Cruise ship operators must ensure that disembarking crew members:
      • will not stay overnight in a hotel before the flight or at any point until they reach their final destination
      • will not use public transportation (including taxis or ride-share services) to get to the airport/charter flight
      • will not enter the public airport terminal
      • will not take commercial aircraft after an initial charter flight
      • will not have a transportation layover exceeding 8 hours
      • will have no interaction with the public during their travel home (e.g., rental car companies, restaurants, etc.)
  • Use of commercial transportation by crew from ships unaffected by COVID-19 may occur only on a case-by-case basis with prior CDC approval; the cruise line must complete a statement attesting to the status of the ship.
  • To be considered currently unaffected by COVID-19, ships must have had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 [1] or COVID-like illness [2] in the past 28 days and if the ship received ship-to-ship [3] transfers within the past 28 days, crew must have come from a ship that had no confirmed COVID-19 or COVID-like illness within the 28 days before the transfer occurred. In addition, if land-based crew embarked, they must have been immediately quarantined for 14 days upon embarking the ship.
  • Use of commercial transportation by crew members who are determined to have fully recovered from COVID-19 based on CDC criteria for discontinuing isolation, and thus do not present a public health risk may occur as follows:
    • Cruise ship medical personnel are responsible for providing the crew member with a medical certificate stating that the crew member has recovered from COVID-19 and met CDC’s criteria for discontinuing isolation.
    • The medical certificate must meet the requirements of Department of Transportation regulationspdf iconexternal icon (14 Code of Federal Regulations § 382.23(c)(2)).
  1. symptoms of COVID-19.

    Cruise ship medical personnel and cruise line telemedicine providers should reference CDC’s COVID-19 website Information for Healthcare Professionals for the latest information on infection control, clinical management, collecting clinical specimens, evaluating patients who may be sick with or who have been exposed to COVID-19, or identifying close contacts. For additional cruise ship information, please refer to Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019.

    Isolation of Symptomatic Crew and Confirmed Cases and Quarantine of Close Contacts
    Crew with ARI, ILI, or pneumonia should be isolated using the same guidelines as a confirmed COVID-19 case. Quarantine of asymptomatic crew that are identified as close contacts of symptomatic crew or confirmed cases is also needed to minimize transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on board.
    • Isolate or quarantine crew in single-occupancy cabins, with private bathrooms, with the door closed.
    • Selection of cabins for isolation or quarantine should consider the following:
      • Proximity to the medical facility and gangways for ease of patient transport
      • Location in dead-end corridors or low-traffic areas to minimize potential exposures
      • Spacing between other occupied cabins to reduce transmission risk
      • Absence of interconnecting doors to reduce accidental exposures
      • Positioning within view of security cameras for enforcement of isolation or quarantine
      • Presence of balconies for psychological morale
    • Isolated or quarantined crew members should have no direct contact with other crew except for designated medical staff.
    • Designated medical staff or other personnel should wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) per CDC guidance when in proximity to isolated or quarantined crew members.
    • Meals should be packaged in disposable dining ware with single-use cutlery and delivered to individual cabins with no face-to-face interaction during this service.
    • Cabins housing isolated or quarantined crew should not be cleaned by other crew members. Supplies such as paper towels, cleaners, and disinfectants, and extra linens can be provided to isolated or quarantined persons so they can clean their cabin by themselves as necessary.
    • Food waste and other trash should be collected and bagged by the isolated or quarantined crew member and placed outside the cabin during designated times for transport to the waste management center for incineration or offloading.
    • Soiled linens and towels should be bagged in water-soluble bags by the isolated or quarantined crew member and placed outside the cabin during designated times for transport to the laundry room.
    • Consider use of surveillance cameras or security personnel to ensure compliance with isolation or quarantine protocols wherever possible.
    Medical Management of Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
    Cruise ship medical centers are recommended to follow the operational guidelinesexternal icon published by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Ships should carry a sufficient quantity of PPE, medical and laboratory supplies listed on CDC’s Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019. Maintaining adequate supplies of antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen and ibuprofen), antiviral and antimicrobial medications, supplemental oxygen, and FDA-approved rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 is also recommended. Information to estimate needed medical staffing and equipment can be found in the Federal Healthcare Resilience Task Force Alternate Care Site Toolkit pdf icon[PDF – 136 pages]external icon, Supplement 2. As treatment and testing become more available in the United States, cruise ships should align with the latest CDC recommendations.

    Disembarking Crew Members to Obtain Medical Care
    Cruise lines are responsible for the medical care of ill or infected persons on board, including those who need hospitalization. For crew who need emergency medical attention that cannot be provided on board the ship, cruise lines should coordinate with the shoreside healthcare facility and U.S. Coast Guard.
    • Crew member should wear a cloth face covering, during the disembarkation process and throughout transportation to the shoreside healthcare facility, if a face covering can be tolerated.
    • If crew member is known to be infected with or has symptoms compatible with COVID-19:
      • All escorting personnel should wear appropriate proper PPE per CDC guidance.
      • Ensure a separate pathway or sanitary corridor where the disembarking crew member will exit with their personal belongings such as luggage.
      • The pathway used for disembarkation, any potentially contaminated surfaces (e.g., handrails) along the pathway, and any equipment used (e.g., wheelchairs) should be cleaned and disinfected immediately after disembarkation (see Cleaning and Disinfection section below).
    Discontinuation of Isolation
    Isolation may be discontinued for symptomatic crew with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, or asymptomatic crew with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, once criteria outlined in CDC’s guidance for Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings are met.

    Discontinuation of Quarantine
    Quarantine may be discontinued for asymptomatic crew who have had close contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases under the following conditions:
    • 14 days has passed since last exposure to a suspected or confirmed case (considering the last exposure date to case as Day 0); and
    • the exposed crew member has remained afebrile; and
    • the exposed crew member has not developed acute respiratory symptoms
    Cleaning and Disinfection
    Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 transmission.

    In addition to routine cleaning and disinfection strategies, ships should focus on cleaning and disinfecting common areas where crew members may come into contact with infectious persons. Consider frequent, routine cleaning and disinfection of commonly touched surfaces such as handrails, countertops, and doorknobs with an EPA-registered disinfectantexternal icon effective against coronaviruses.

    Additional information on cleaning and disinfecting on cruise ships can be found on CDC’s Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019.

    Other environmental considerations include:
    • Wait 24 hours or as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection of cabins vacated by crew members with confirmed or suspect COVID-19.
    • In order to minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry.
    • Launder soiled linens and towels collected from cabins occupied by isolated or quarantined crew in washing machines set at the warmest appropriate water setting for the items, and dry items completely.
    • Identify pathways to minimize risk of respiratory transmission when crew are required to move in and out of isolation and quarantine corridors and during the transport of waste and soiled linens generated by isolated or quarantined crew members.
    • Designated trolleys/carts used for the transportation of waste and soiled linens from isolated or quarantined cabins must be cleaned and disinfected with an effective disinfectant after each use.
    Medical personnel who have direct contact with isolated or quarantined persons and crew members who handle waste or soiled linens must wear proper PPE per CDC’s Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019.

    cloth face covering when outside of individual cabins Recommended Required Required
    Modify meal service to facilitate social distancing (e.g., reconfigure dining room seating, stagger mealtimes, encourage in-cabin dining) Not Required Required Required
    Eliminate self-serve dining options at all crew and officer messes Required Required Required
    Discourage handshaking – encourage the use of non-contact methods of greeting Required Required Required
    Promote respiratory and hand hygiene and cough etiquette Required Required Required
    Place hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) in multiple locations and in sufficient quantities to encourage hand hygiene Required Required Required
    Place posters that encourage hand hygiene to help stop the spread in high-trafficked areas Required Required Required

    [paste:font size="5"]Procedure for “Green” Cruise Ships Requesting to use Commercial Transportation
    1. Cruise ship operator determines that the ship meets CDC’s criteria for “Green” status.
    2. Cruise ship operator submits a signed unaltered Attestation for Commercial Transportation of Disembarking Crew for Cruise Ship Operators under a No Sail Order Response Plan to CDC at eocevent349@cdc.gov.
    3. To confirm Green status, CDC will assess the status of the ship by reviewing surveillance data submitted weekly using the EDC form.
    4. If CDC clears the ship as meeting Green status, CDC will send cruise ship operator a clearance email informing them that arrangements for commercial flights can now be made.
      1. To inform transportation partners (e.g., Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, and airlines) of the ship’s ability to arrange commercial travel, CDC will post on its website the names of all ships with Green status and a signed attestation for commercial travel.
      2. The attestation will be valid from the time of CDC clearance until the ship’s status changes (to “Yellow” or “Red”) or the end of the NSO period.
    5. Once a ship has achieved “Green” status and has a cleared attestation, CDC will continue to review the ship’s status on a weekly basis to determine if it changes to Yellow or Red. Failure to submit weekly EDC form, changes ship status to Red.
    6. If ship’s status changes from Green to Yellow or Red based on criteria:
      1. CDC will notify the cruise ship operator by email.
      2. CDC will update the ship’s status on its website.
      3. Commercial travel from the ship must not occur.
    7. Cruise lines whose ships have achieved Green status, including a signed and approved attestation, may provide a letter informing the airline that the crew member will disembark a Green ship. The letter can be provided to the:
      1. commercial airline upon booking, and/or
      2. crew member upon disembarkation.
 
WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 26 October 2020

  • Last week saw the highest number of COVID-19 cases reported so far. Many countries in the northern hemisphere are seeing a concerning rise in cases and hospitalisations. And intensive care units are filling up to capacity in some places, particularly in Europe and North America.
  • We must do all we can to protect health workers, and the best way to do that is for all of us to take every precaution we can to reduce the risk of transmission, for ourselves and others. No one wants more so-called lockdowns. But if we want to avoid them, we all have to play our part.
  • The fight back against this pandemic is everyone’s business. We cannot have the economic recovery we want and live our lives the way we did before the pandemic. We can keep our kids in school, we can keep businesses open, we can preserve lives and livelihoods. We can do it! But we must all make trade-offs, compromises and sacrifices.
  • When leaders act quickly and deliberately, the virus can be suppressed. But, where there has been political division at the national level; where there has been blatant disrespect for science and health professionals, confusion has spread and cases and deaths have mounted. This is why I have said repeatedly: stop the politicisation of COVID-19.
  • Last week WHO conducted its first global e-learning course on health and migration, addressing a critical and often neglected topic of global health. It's vital that all countries include refugees and migrants in their national policies as part of their commitment to universal health coverage.
------





Good morning, good afternoon and good evening.

Last week saw the highest number of COVID-19 cases reported so far.

Many countries in the northern hemisphere are seeing a concerning rise in cases and hospitalisations.

And intensive care units are filling up to capacity in some places, particularly in Europe and North America.

Over the weekend, a number of leaders critically evaluated their situation and took action to limit the spread of the virus.

We understand the pandemic fatigue that people are feeling.

It takes a mental and physical toll on everyone.

Working from home, children being schooled remotely, not being able to celebrate milestones with friends and family or not being there to mourn loved ones – it’s tough and the fatigue is real.

But we cannot give up.

We must not give up.

Leaders must balance the disruption to lives and livelihoods with the need to protect health workers and health systems as intensive care fills up.

In March, health workers were routinely applauded for the personal sacrifice they were making to save lives.

Many of those health workers, who have themselves gone through immense stress and trauma, are still on the frontlines, facing a fresh wave of new patients.

We must do all we can to protect health workers, and the best way to do that is for all of us to take every precaution we can to reduce the risk of transmission, for ourselves and others.

No one wants more so-called lockdowns. But if we want to avoid them, we all have to play our part.

The fight back against this pandemic is everyone’s business.

We cannot have the economic recovery we want and live our lives the way we did before the pandemic.

We can keep our kids in school, we can keep businesses open, we can preserve lives and livelihoods. We can do it!

But we must all make trade-offs, compromises and sacrifices.

For individuals, families and communities, that means staying at home and especially if you have been exposed to a case.

Furthermore, you continue to maintain physical distance, wearing a mask, cleaning your hands regularly, coughing away from others, avoiding crowds, or meeting friends and family outside.

For governments, it means doing the same things we have been calling for since day one: know your epidemic.

Break the chains of transmission. Test extensively. Isolate and care for cases. And trace and provide supported quarantine for all contacts.

With these measures, you can catch-up to this virus, you can get ahead of this virus, and you can stay ahead of this virus.

We say this because we have seen many places around the world get ahead and stay ahead of the virus.

===

There aren’t magic solutions to this outbreak, just hard work from leaders at all levels of societies, health workers, contact tracers and individuals.

And then, once you have the upper hand, it’s important to strengthen health systems, the health workforce and contact tracing systems so that the virus doesn’t take hold again.

Science continues to tell us the truth about this virus.

How to contain it, suppress it and stop it from returning, and how to save lives among those it reaches.

Many countries and cities have followed the science, suppressed the virus and minimized deaths.

From Dakar to Melbourne, Milan to Islamabad, New York to Beijing.

When leaders act quickly and deliberately, the virus can be suppressed.

For leaders, as my colleague Dr. Mike Ryan said back in March, the most important thing to do is to “move fast, have no regrets.”

But, where there has been political division at the national level; where there has been blatant disrespect for science and health professionals, confusion has spread and cases and deaths have mounted.

This is why I have said repeatedly: stop the politicisation of COVID-19.

A pandemic is not a political football. Wishful thinking or deliberate diversion will not prevent transmissions or save lives.

What will save lives is science, solutions and solidarity.

That is why we say solidarity, solidarity solidarity.

===

Finally, last week WHO conducted its first global e-learning course on health and migration, addressing a critical and often neglected topic of global health.

The course included being directly connected live with health and migration projects on the ground so that they could receive direct feedback from those in the field.

There were people attending from 122 different countries worldwide and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all individuals, all involved in this course.

All of public health suffers when any community is excluded.

It's vital that all countries include refugees and migrants in their national policies as part of their commitment to universal health coverage.

I hope the knowledge gained through this course will act as a catalyst for health policies that include migrants and refugee communities.

Health for all, means all.

I thank you
 
WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the 5th Meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee on COVID-19
29 October 2020
  • العربية
  • 中文
  • Français
  • Español
Professor Didier Houssin,

Emergency Committee Members and advisors,

Dear colleagues and friends,

Let me start by warmly welcoming you to the 5th meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee on COVID-19.

Since the Emergency Committee last met in July, many things have evolved, both for the positive and for the negative.

We know much more about the virus now. The epidemiological patterns and options for treatment are better understood.

We have gathered evidence and best-practices for breaking chains of transmission. We have learned to respond in a more targeted and tailored manner.

But we also face new challenges.

We are particularly concerned about issues of community engagement and the politization of the response.

This pandemic is far from over. We need to adjust all our efforts to be suitable for the long-run.

Strong leadership integrated in a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach will help to sustain a consistent and robust response.

Mental health must be an integral part of all response efforts.

In order to reflect variations in severity and epidemiology within and across countries and regions, it will be necessary to adopt appropriate indicators.

This includes ones to measure the burden on health systems and hospitals in particular.

This will allow for the review and refinement of measures based on science and thorough public health risk assessments.

Risk management is about taking actions based on available evidence through solidarity, transparency and in an inclusive manner.

Where certainty and evidence remain elusive, measures need to be evaluated regularly and actions course-corrected if necessary.

Addressing uncertainties and the socio-economic impact of measures will increase confidence in the people leading the response.

Basic epidemiological interventions such as contact tracing and surveillance remain the most critical and effective interventions that break chains of transmission.

But we also need to get better at engaging individuals and communities to support the COVID-19 response. This is key for any public health intervention, as we all know.

There are a number of areas that require further consideration, and I welcome your advice.

These include:

Establishing sustainable long-term response strategies.

Refining indicators for risk management.

Implementing time-limited public health, social and travel measures,

which are based on risk assessments and scientific evaluations.

Maintaining basic epidemiological interventions such as contact tracing and surveillance.

Addressing misinformation and infodemics.

Readying countries for the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines and avoiding vaccine nationalism.

And how countries can best report to WHO on their progress on implementing the temporary recommendations.

Of course we should not be restricted by this. Any additional ideas you have are welcome.

====

Dr Soce Fall and Dr Jaouad Mahjour will update you with the latest technical background and provide you with a detailed overview on the progress made on the recommendations from your last meeting.

WHO heavily relies on your advice and your external expert view.

I am proud and reassured to be able to draw on your expertise in these difficult times. Much gratitude for your continued support and help. I wish you a successful meeting.

I thank you. Merci beaucoup chair, and all members.
 



WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 30 October 2020
30 October 2020
  • WHO is closely following the unfolding situation in Greece and Turkey after the earthquake today.
  • Over the past few months, I have heard first hand from people who face mid to long-term effects of COVID-19 infection. WHO will continue to do more research to establish best standards of care to accelerate recovery and prevent such complications.
  • The Emergency Committee on COVID-19 has just concluded a two day meeting where they discussed the way forward. The take home message is that it’s important for governments and citizens to keep focused on breaking the chains of transmission.
  • WHO continues to work to establish the origins of the virus to prevent future outbreaks. Today, a group of international experts had their first virtual meeting with their Chinese counterparts.
-----

“Good morning, good afternoon and good evening.

I want to start by noting that WHO is closely following the unfolding situation in Greece and Turkey after the earthquake today.

We will work with the two countries to ensure that emergency medical care is provided to those in need.

Our thoughts are with all those affected.

===

Over the past few months, I have heard first hand from people who face mid to long-term effects of COVID-19 infection.

What’s really concerning is the vast spectrum of symptoms that fluctuate over time, often overlap and can affect any system in the body.

From fatigue, a cough and shortness of breath, to inflammation and injury of major organs - including the lungs and heart. And even neurological and psychologic effects.

Although we’re still learning about the virus, what’s clear is that this is not just a virus that kills people.

To a significant number of people, this virus poses a range of serious long-term effects.

While people do recover, it can be slow – sometimes weeks or months – and it is not always a linear route to recovery.

Though exact numbers of people experiencing the long-term affects are not yet clearly defined, post COVID-19 symptoms and complications have been reported in both non-hospitalised and hospitalised patients.

There have been cases in women and men, both young and old. And even in children.

WHO will continue to do more research to establish best standards of care to accelerate recovery and prevent such complications.

It is imperative that governments recognise the long-term effects of COVID-19 and also ensure access to health services to all of these patients.

This includes primary health care and when needed specialty care and rehabilitation.

I’d now like to hand over the floor to three patients who are still combatting the long-term effects of COVID-19 so that we can hear their stories.
First, Professor Paul Garner from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine who has himself been recovering from COVID-19 since March.

Paul the floor is yours.

===

Thank you so much Professor Garner for sharing your experience.

And now to Martha Sibanda, a nurse who is joining us from Jo’burg, South Africa. Marta, the floor is yours.

===

Thank you Martha for taking the time to share your experience with us.

I would now like to hear from Lyth Hishmeh from the United. Lyth is a member of Long COVID SOS, a patient advocacy group in the UK.

You have the Sir

===

Listening to Paul, Martha and Lyth share their experiences and array of symptoms, it really reinforces what a dangerous virus COVID-19 is.

Your stories underscore that those facing the long-term effects of the virus must be given the time and care they need to recover fully.

It also reinforces to me just how morally unconscionable and unfeasible the so called ‘natural herd immunity’ strategy is.

Not only would it lead to millions more unnecessary deaths, it would also lead to a significant number of people facing a long road to full recovery.

Herd immunity is only possible with safe and effective vaccines that are distributed equitably around the world.

And until we have a vaccine, governments and people must do all that they can to suppress transmission, which is the best way to prevent these post-COVID long-term consequences.

===

In that vein, the Emergency Committee on COVID-19 has just concluded a two day meeting where they discussed the way forward.

With global cases continuing to rise and some countries going in the wrong direction, the group has made a series of recommendations for WHO and Member States to act on.

The take home message is that it’s important for governments and citizens to keep focused on breaking the chains of transmission.

Governments should focus on tackling the virus and avoid politicisation.

No matter where they are in terms of the outbreak, they should keep investing in the health system and workforce and improving testing, tracing and treatment of all cases.

And there is light at the end of the tunnel.

As well as rapid tests and dexamethasone, several vaccines are now in final phase three trials.

If proved safe and effective they will be rolled out through the ACT Accelerator’s vaccine arm – the COVAX Facility, which is now supported by 186 countries.

I thank Lebanon and Botswana for joining recently.

The committee recommended that to prepare for new COVID-19 vaccines, WHO and governments must work closely to develop rollout strategies, train health workers and ensure clear communications with the general public about vaccination.

===
Just as we look forward with hope, WHO continues to work to establish the origins of the virus to prevent future outbreaks.

Today, a group of international experts had their first virtual meeting with their Chinese counterparts.

I joined to thank them and offer any and all support to ensure the success of their ongoing research.

From the long-term effects of COVID-19, to breaking the chains of transmission, to establishing the origins of the virus, WHO will continue to work in partnership across the world to drive science, solutions and solidarity.

I thank you“

—-
 
@DrTedros

I have been identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive for #COVID19. I am well and without symptoms but will self-quarantine over the coming days, in line with
@WHO
protocols, and work from home.

(link courtesy of @sds71)
 
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