As governments consider loosening various social distancing measures, such decisions should be made at the "lowest administrative level," Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, a World Health Organization infectious disease epidemiologist, said during a media briefing in Geneva on Wednesday.
"It’s not a one size fits all, and what countries need to do – and what decision makers need to do – is to evaluate the situation in their countries at the lowest administrative level as they can to determine what can be lifted where and when," Van Kerkhove said.
She continued: "First and foremost, is to really understand where this virus is, how far it’s being transmitted and if it is controlled. Countries need sufficient systems in place in order to detect any new cases that come up. … It doesn’t mean that you won’t see your families for long periods of time. There may be situations where these measures can be lifted, but it has to be done in a controlled way."