COVID-19: RESPONSE The World Health Organization (WHO) has been leading the global effort to tackle COVID-19. The Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, produced by WHO and partners, outlines the public health measures that countries should take to prepare for and respond to COVID-19. The Strategy Update of April 2020 provides further guidance for the public health response to COVID-19 at national and subnational levels, and highlights the coordinated support that is required from the international community to meet the challenge of COVID-19.
People and organizations who want to help fight the pandemic and support WHO and partners can donate through the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund which supports WHO’s work to track and understand the spread of the virus, to ensure patients get the care they need and frontline workers get essential supplies and information, and to accelerate research and development of a vaccine and treatments for all who need them.
WHO, together with partners, also provides guidance and advice for people to look after their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic — especially health workers, managers of health facilities, people who are looking after children, older adults, people in isolation and members of the public more generally.
The pandemic is much more than a health crisis. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response, matching the resolve and sacrifice of frontline health workers.
COVID-19: ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC In agreement with the WHO Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, Free&Union encourages skaters and individuals of all ages to take care of their own health and protect others by:
- washing hands frequently with water and soap or using hand-sanitizing gel;
- maintaining social distancing (keeping a distance of 1 metre/3 feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing);
- avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth;
- following respiratory hygiene (covering your mouth and nose with your folded elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, then disposing of the used tissue immediately);
- seeking medical care early if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing; and
- staying informed and following advice given by your health care provider, national and local public health authority, or employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
