(CNN) -- The world should have responded to the coronavirus pandemic a month or two ago, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a news briefing in Geneva today.

“This virus is public enemy number one," Tedros said.

He added that health officials still believe there are opportunities to fight the virus.

"The time to act was actually a month ago, two months ago. … but we still believe there is opportunity," he said. "This is a second opportunity, which we should not squander and do everything to suppress and control this virus. This is a responsibility for all of us — especially the political leadership is key."