Joint COVID19 Response Newsletter August 2020

More than eight months into the pandemic, families, people and the Government of Timor-Leste, as in other countries, are under considerable stress. All are working to re-establish normal routines, keeping people safe, and helping businesses and economies to move ahead again.

This is what the United Nations, in Timor-Leste and other countries, is also working to achieve. The UN fully supports efforts to re-open economies and societies. We are investing resources to see children returning to schools and people returning to their workplaces, safely and securely within the prescribed guidelines of the World Health Organisation.

At the same time, however, we all know that pandemic is far from over. For millions of people across the globe, the reality remains challenging. The COVIID-19 virus has spread fast and it can be fatal to people of all ages.

The UN urges the Government and people of Timor-Leste to take a comprehensive approach aligned to their circumstances – with containment as the central pillar. We must remain conscious of the fact that COVID-19 is affecting health systems and socio-economic fabric of all countries.

We are working to support Timor-Leste in implementing preparedness and response plans by drawing attention to the fact that whatever we do, must include a strong focus on building more equal and inclusive societies that are resilient to the crises and challenges that face our world.