A second wave of coronavirus does not have to happen, according to the World Health Organisation.
A WHO spokesperson said strong measures to control any further outbreaks will help countries avoid a repeat of "very traumatising" measures such as widespread lockdowns.
There has been a record number of cases reported globally in recent days, raising fresh concerns about how countries are responding to the pandemic.
Many South and Central American countries - such as Peru, Brazil, Chile and Mexico - are experiencing widespread community transmission, alongside other areas such as Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
Meanwhile, many countries in Europe are continuing to ease lockdown measure - leading to an increased risk of fresh spikes.
According to the WHO, quick detection, isolation and contact tracing should be in place to help deal with future cases.
Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show, spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said another wave can be prevented with the right policies.
He said: "We have to make sure we have the capacity to control the pandemic - that means to know where the virus is, and isolate the virus from the rest of the population.
"When people talk about second wave, this is not something that has to happen. It really depends on a strong public health action from authorities."
Mr Jasarevic also defended the WHO's guidance on wearing masks and face coverings.
He told Pat: "Our position on masks did not change a lot.
"What we have been saying from the very beginning: masks alone cannot protect a person. Wearing masks must be a part of much broader infection control measures.
"People who are potentially sick, potentially have COVID-19 should wear masks. Health workers and all those who care for sick people should also have masks."
He stressed that every country will make their own decision on the rules around face coverings.
