"Although older people are the hardest hit, younger people are not spared. Data from many countries clearly show that people under 50 make up a significant proportion of patients requiring hospitalization," Tedros said at a virtual press conference.

He directed a stark message to younger people: "you are not invincible, this virus could put you in the hospital for weeks or even kill you."

Earlier in the month, Gebreyesus declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic and called on all countries to take drastic precautionary measures.

As of Friday, the coronavirus has infected over 265,000 people worldwide and killed more than 11,100 while over 87,000 have been cured.