NEW DELHI: “The position of the World Health Organization is very, very clear. We need to know the origin of this virus, because it can help us to prevent future outbreaks and we’re doing everything to make sure that we know the origin and this is a technical issue,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, adding that some have been politicizing this, although we have been doing our best to know the origin, but some have been politicizing it.

Addressing the reporters during a daily press conference, WHO chief said, “Our position has been very clear and very strong and we’re working to make sure that the origin of the virus is known because it helps the world to understand the genesis and prevent future outbreaks.”

“What has been a barrier and trying to derail us from what we have been doing scientifically was the politicization of the study of the origin of the virus from some quarters. But WHO is committed to do everything it can, based on science and solutions, to find the origin,” he said, adding that we need to do the basics and we will not stop from knowing the truth on the origin of the virus, but based on science, without politicizing it or trying to create tension in the process. 

Meanwhile, in another briefing on COVID-19, he said: “This is no time for complacency, especially with the holiday season approaching in many cultures and countries. We all want to be together with the people we love during festive periods. But being with family & friends is not worth putting them or yourself at risk.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic will change the way we celebrate, but it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate,” WHO chief said, adding that the changes you make will depend on where you live. Always follow your local or national guidelines. The COVID-19 pandemic will end – and we all have a part to play in ending it, he stressed.