Mar 07 , 2020. NHK WORLD.

An official with the World Health Organization says all countries should make it their top priority to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

He also warned that there is no evidence to suggest the outbreak might wane in summer, like influenza.

Michael Ryan, the executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, spoke to reporters in Geneva on Friday.

He said the activity and behavior of the coronavirus in different climatic conditions is unknown. He also said it is a “false hope” that COVID-19 will disappear in the summer.

The official urged all countries to concentrate on what they can do, and not wait for the outbreak to come to a natural end.

The news conference comes as the number of confirmed infections sits around the 100,000 mark.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern about the rising number of new cases in countries with low incomes and weaker medical systems.

He stressed the need to slow down the epidemic, to allow hospitals and governments to prepare and save lives, as well to develop vaccines and treatments.

Ryan also spoke about the steps taken by Japan and South Korea to restrict entry of people from each other’s countries. He described the situation as a “political spat” and urged the countries to put it to one side, because “these types of restrictions are not helping.”

CR: NHK WORLD