WHO Declares Coronavirus Outbreak a Global Health Emergency

The novel human Coronavirus Epidemic that has claimed over 210 lives & rendered over 8,200 infected globally has now been declared as the global healthy emergency by the World Health Organization.

This new strain of Corona Virus or 2019-nCoV emerged from Wuhan, a city in the central China in December 2019. Since this virus is highly contagious & holds the capability of transmitting from person to person, it has taken over around 20 countries, including the United States.

According to the latest UN News, the china virus outbreak is suspected to have infected over 12,000 in China alone. Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak began remains in lock-down.

Read more about what Coronavirus is, how it spreads & possible preventive measures.

The Coronavirus Epidemic – Unprecedented Outbreak

The epidemic caused by this newly discovered Coronavirus was declared as a Global Health Emergency on Thursday by United Nations Emergency Committee.

The announcement after an unparalleled escalation in Coronavirus transmission was witnessed over the past few weeks.

Global Health Emergency, also known as Public Health Emergency of International concern is an extraordinary event that is serious & unusual.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General at the WHO addressed a news conference at WHO headquarters in Geneva on Thursday. He said that the unprecedented Coronavirus outbreak to 20 countries is now a Global Health Security Issue.

Countries with weaker health systems, which are vulnerable to Coronavirus infection, are currently the greatest concern of the World Health Organization, he said. The move has been made to protect such countries since they are not prepared to combat Coronavirus epidemic. It is feared that Corona Virus could proliferate uncontrollably, infect millions & claim thousands.

Tedros further added that the world stands united to fight & stop Coronavirus epidemic. He is reviewing the public health plans & supporting global co-operation to help the developing countries, work on the anti-dotes & diagnostics.

The World’s Response to Coronavirus Epidemic

Regardless of the emergency, the WHO does not intend to restrict international travel & trade, the sources state. However, a myriad of countries from around the world are recommending their citizens to avoid traveling to China.

While the Americans have been asked not to travel to China, the Germans have been advised against traveling to Hubei Province.

The WHO Director-General, Tedros has urged the world to stay calm & understand that we all stand together in this critical time. He calls this the time for facts, science & solidarity & not fear, rumors or stigma.

China’s Response to Corona Virus Outbreak

Hua Chunying, the spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry said that China is capable of combating against the novel Corona Virus. She further added that, in order to safeguard public health, China was always willing to co-operate with the WHO.

The Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization said that China was prompt in identifying the virus & sharing its consequences, in order to help other countries diagnose the infection & find ways to defend them.

With more than 12,000 suspected cases in the country, China will now work internationally with the WHO & extend its helping hand to those who are in need.

While the Coronavirus Epidemic does not appear as fatal as the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), it is spreading at an alarming rate. The latest WHO News reports around 1,400 severe cases of the Coronavirus infection in China, however, no deaths have been reported outside China.

Coronavirus symptoms range from cough, fever, respiratory issues to worst case of pneumonia & respiratory failure that leads to death. It is highly contagious & can be transmitted from person to person via breathing, coughing & sneezing.