The coronavirus pandemic is going to get “worse and worse” if certain governments do not take decisive action to curb the spread of the disease, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said we are seeing “dangerous increases in cases” in countries where “proven measures to reduce risk are not implemented or followed”.

“Let me blunt, too many countries are headed in the wrong direction,” Dr Tedros said at a briefing in Geneva on Monday.

“The virus remains public enemy number one, but the actions of many governments and people do not reflect this.”

Dr Tedros said “mixed messages from leaders” were undermining public trust in attempts to bring the pandemic under control.

While Dr Tedors did not mention those leaders by name, some may interpret his pointed remarks as a warning to US President Donald Trump and others who have been widely criticised for their handling of the pandemic.

“If the basics aren’t followed, there is only one way this pandemic is going to go,” Dr Tedros added.

“It’s going to get worse and worse and worse.”