COVID-19 is not under control and is actually getting worse, according to the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says that in many countries, the outbreak is still yet to peak and that even developed countries are struggling to control it.

He said: “The virus has upended health systems in some of the world’s wealthiest nations, while some countries that have mounted a successful response have been of modest means.

“We know that when countries take a comprehensive approach based on fundamental public health measures – such as find, isolate, test and treat cases, and trace and quarantine contacts – the outbreak can be brought under control.

“But in most of the world the virus is not under control. It is getting worse.

“More than 11.8 million cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to WHO. More than 544,000 lives have been lost.

“And the pandemic is still accelerating.”