Statement to the press by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are holding this press briefing in an empty UN City building, as staff are now working remotely as a social distancing measure due to the coronavirus. The lives of millions of people in our region are undergoing radical change. There is, quite simply, a new reality. The role of public health services is understood. The value of health workers is appreciated like never before.