Brussels, May 12 (RHC)-- As countries around the world move to reopen their economies, more surges in COVID-19 cases are being reported. 

In Germany, infections are on the rise as the country gradually comes out of lockdown.  Meanwhile, France reported almost four times as many deaths Monday than the day before, as it began reopening its economy this week.  

The World Health Organization’s director-general warned countries against a hasty winding down of lockdowns Monday.  Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “To protect lives and livelihoods, a slow, steady lifting of lockdowns is key to both stimulating economies while also keeping a vigilant eye on the virus so that control measures can be quickly implemented if an upswing in cases is identified.”