There is palpable apprehension at the World Health Organisation (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, following the contact by its Director General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, with a person that has tested positive for COVID-19. Consequently, the Ethiopian is self-quarantining in line with extant safety protocols.

In a tweet late on Sunday, the DG added that he was symptom-free and feeling well. “I have been identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive for #COVID19. I am well and without symptoms but will self-quarantine over the coming days, in line with @WHO protocols, and work from home,” Ghebreyesus said.

The 55-year-old has been at the forefront of the organisation’s efforts to contain the pandemic. The former foreign minister stressed on Twitter that, “it is critically important that we all comply with health guidance.

“This is how we will break chains of #COVID19 transmission, suppress the virus, and protect health systems,” he added. WHO charged individuals on hand-washing, wearing of face masks, social and physical distancing, as well as called on authorities to find, isolate, test and care for infected persons in addition to tracing and quarantining their contacts.