Coronavirus: WHO's Dr David Nabarro praises India's move to quickly implement nationwide lockdown

The United States and Italy are case in point of what a delay in fighting the Covid-19 crisis can do, the special envoy to the World Health Organisation (WHO) told NDTV on Thursday, Prasing India’s action to swiftly enforce a nationwide lockdown.

"This is a disease in which the sooner we respond, the more we will be able to contain the spread," said Dr David Nabarro.

"India has led by example on many occasions in the past. The information network to get the message across to various communities, right down to the panchayat level is also very effective. I have seen ads too by Amitabh Bachchan on what needs to be done. India has moved fast," said Dr Nabarro.

Responding to a query on if the 21-day lockdown was sufficient and should it be prolonged, the special COVID-19 envoy to the WHO said, "The government can assess on the basis of data where the hotspots are. Then it can take a decision on releasing the lockdown in other areas and continue with it in the hotspots. There is pain associated with a lockdown implemented again but the government must do whatever is good to contain the virus. Speed is very important."

China has come under a plenty of reproval for reportedly covering up the extent of the pathogen. There are also accusation against the WHO of backing China and not questioning them on the glaring loopholes in the information Vis-a-vis the origins of the virus. To his Dr Nabarro stated, "Now is not the time."

"When history will be written, we will be judged on the basis of how fast we reacted to contain this pandemic. There will come a time where we will assess in great detail how did it all start and fix accountability. Now is not the time. I would also like to tell all the world leaders the same thing. This is a time where all of us should rise above blame and help fight this invisible enemy," he said.

India has thus far recorded more than 2,000 coronavirus cases across the nation and at least 50 people have lost their lives. The SARS-CoV-2, which surface in China’s Wuhan city in December last year, has claimed 13,000 lives in Italy, 10,000 in Spain and 5,000 in the United States.

Also Read: Coronavirus: Arvind Kejriwal pledges Rs 5,000 to income hit cab, auto drivers amid lockdown

Also Read: PM Modi to share video message with 'fellow Indians' tomorrow moring