Health officials in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are working around the clock to contain the spread of the deadly Coronavirus, with local authorities confirming five additional deaths in Italy and more than 50 in Iran.
“Health officials stressed on Monday that while Iran and Italy have reported a surge in coronavirus cases over the last several days and raced to cancel public events, the outbreak, which originated in China, has not yet met the criteria for a pandemic, although it ‘absolutely’ has the potential to get there,” reports Fox News.
“Using the term pandemic now, it doesn’t fit the facts, but it may cause fear,” World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday. “Now is not the time to focus on what word we use – it will not prevent a single infection or save a single life.”
“Sometimes, when you see an acceleration of cases and a spread from that, it doesn’t necessarily represent the transmission of the virus,” said WHO executive director of emergency operations Dr. Mike Ryan. “We need to understand the exact dynamics of what has happened in Iran.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Source: Fox News
CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK: 1000 Dead, 42K+ Cases, Experts Say Could Reach 60% of Global Population
The Coronavirus outbreak claimed its 1,000 victim in mainland China Tuesday; sparking new fears that the global disease could impact 60% of the world’s population if unchecked.
“With the death toll from the coronavirus at 1,017, the head of the World Health Organization gathered top scientists in Geneva on Tuesday to try and answer a raft of questions about the new disease. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a plea for global unity against ‘a common enemy that does not respect borders or ideologies,’” reports CBS News.
“With 99% of cases in China, this remains very much an emergency for that country, but one that holds a very grave threat for the rest of the world,” Tedros warned.
Health officials in Hong Kong issued even more dire predictions Tuesday, saying 60% of the world’s population could be infected if the disease remains unchecked.
“The coronavirus epidemic could spread to about two-thirds of the world’s population if it cannot be controlled,” reports the Guardian.
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DEVELOPING: Eight Planes in ‘Lockdown’ in London Over Fears of Coronavirus Outbreak
At least eight planes were placed in ‘lockdown’ conditions at London’s Heathrow Airport Friday over growing concerns of the deadly Coronavirus spreading across the UK.
“Coronavirus fears sparked a lockdown of eight planes Friday morning at Heathrow Airport — including a flight from California — after passengers complained they were suffering from symptoms, according to new reports,” reports the NY Post.
“Passengers on United Airlines Flight 901 from San Francisco were told by the captain to stay put after landing because someone on board might be infected,” adds the Post. “Further details involving the other aircraft are unknown. Heathrow Airport declined to comment but is believed to be running as normal with all runways open.”
“Our team at London Heathrow Airport is providing assistance related to United flight 901 (San Francisco-London Heathrow) today, following reports of an individual becoming unwell onboard,” the airline said in a statement to multiple outlets. “The safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority and we continue to work closely with local authorities.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Source: New York Post
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