The World Health Organization advised against plans of a growing number of countries planning to issue "immunity passports." WHO said there remains to be no scientific proof that those who contracted and recovered from the virus developed an immunity.
WHO reiterated that premature moves such as "immunity passports" could actually heighten transmission of the novel coronavirus which until today baffles scientists. The virus was detected in December 2019. Those who would be receiving such "immunity passports" might ignore social distancing and other protocols set to stop the rapid spread of the virus.
Countries that are looking to the possibility of issuing "immunity passports" suggested that it would only be issued to those who are detected to have antibodies to the virus. Those proven to have the antibodies will be allowed to travel or return to work. WHO, however, highlighted, that there is no proof that recovered patients are protected from a second infection.
Indeed, earlier reports have shown that many recovered patients from some countries are testing positive again of COVID-19. The best example is in South Korea where there are 163 people who have recovered from the virus but have tested positive again. While the number is currently relatively low (2.1% of the 7,829 recoveries), not all who have recovered have been tested again. At the same time, there is still no proof that a person who tested positive again remains to be infectious. Still, the risk is there since asymptomatic people, on the other hand, can infect.
The same is being observed in China where the virus was first detected in December.
The debate on the issuance of "immunity passport" come as confirmed cases worldwide reached 2,971,477, according to real-time data tracker from Johns Hopkins University. Deaths are now at 206,544. At the same time, recoveries are now at 865,733.
WHO is also warning against the premature lifting of lockdown measures. In the United States - which is currently the epicenter of the virus with the highest confirmed cases worldwide - Colorado, Minnesota, and Montana are planning to lift social distancing and stay-at-home policies. Iowa will resume surgeries and farmers are to be allowed to open markets. Tennessee will allow restaurants to open but should only welcome 50% of their usual capacities.
To date, the US is reporting 30,000 confirmed new cases and 2,000 deaths on a daily basis. The country has 965,783 confirmed cases as of April 26.
Meanwhile, in Europe, experts are also worried as France, Italy, Spain - which are among the hardest-hit in the region - express plans of easing their coronavirus restrictions. Europe is another epicenter of the virus with the biggest number of cases on a regional basis.
In Italy, factories could reopen by May 4. Schools, however, will only open in September.
In Spain, children below 14 were allowed to go out to exercise. Adults will be allowed the same by next week.
Belgium, Greece, and Malta are also looking into lifting lockdown.
In Jerusalem and Berlin, however, people are clashing with police as they protest lockdown measures.
