The ballooning COVID-19 caseloads in some countries is is leaving health workers with difficult decisions to make on how to prioritize care for those that are sick, the World Health Organization's Director General Tedros Adhanom warned on Monday.

Tedros gave the warning in his address at the WHO COVID-19 briefing, which he delivered via videoconference.

"In some countries, we're seeing cases go up exponentially and hospitals reach capacity, which poses a risk to patients and health workers alike," he said.

The WHO chief is currently self-isolating at home after he came in contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19.

By Monday afternoon, the number of COVID-19 infections globally had surpassed the 46.72 million mark with a death toll exceeding 1.20 million, according to the U.S-based Johns Hopkins University.

In his address, Tedros urged people to observe the laid down health protocols aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.

"At this time, it is critically important that we all comply with health guidance," he said.

"This is how we will break chains of transmission, suppress the virus, and protect health systems."