The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the latest coronavirus outbreak in China and several countries around the world a global health emergency.
Following the outbreak, several countries including the US, Canada, UK, etc., have warned their citizens against travelling to China.
World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday declared coronavirus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
According to WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the decision was based on the recommendations of the Emergency Committee on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
Part of the statement released on the official website of WHO reads as follows, “The Committee believes that it is still possible to interrupt virus spread, provided that countries put in place strong measures to detect disease early, isolate and treat cases, trace contacts, and promote social distancing measures commensurate with the risk.
“It is important to note that as the situation continues to evolve, so will the strategic goals and measures to prevent and reduce the spread of the infection.
It continued, “The Committee agreed that the outbreak now meets the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and proposed the following advice to be issued as Temporary Recommendations.
The disease has so far claimed 213 lives worldwide and continues to spread. But so far, no cases have been confirmed in Nigeria.
