'Not over til no virus in the world': WHO warns of coronavirus battle after spike in cases

Some countries have seen "upticks" in COVID-19 cases as lockdowns ease, and populations must continue to protect themselves against the coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

"It's not over. It's not over until there is no virus anywhere in the world," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told a UN briefing on Friday in Geneva.

Some countries have seen upticks in COVID-19 cases as lockdowns ease, and populations must protect themselves from the coronavirus while authorities continued testing, Harris said.

The epicentre of the pandemic is in countries of central, south and north America, particularly the United States, she said.

"On 'upticks' (in cases), yes we have seen in countries around the world - I'm not talking specifically about Europe - when the lockdowns ease, when the social distancing measures ease, people sometimes interpret this as 'OK, it's over'."

Harris, referring to US demonstrations since the killing of George Floyd 10 days ago, said protesters must take precautions.

"We have certainly seen a lot of passion this week; we've seen people who have felt the need to be out and to express their feelings," she added.

"We ask them to remember still protect yourself and others."

To avoid infection, the WHO advised people to maintain a distance of at least one metre, frequently wash hands and avoid touching their mouth, nose and eyes, Harris said.