WHO declares novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The decision was made following an emergency meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, where experts discussed the global impact of the virus.

The novel coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has now spread to several countries around the world. There have been confirmed cases in the United States, Thailand, Japan, and other countries, leading to concerns about the potential for a global pandemic.

According to the WHO, declaring the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern will allow for greater coordination and resources to be allocated to combat the spread of the virus. The organization has called for a coordinated international response to prevent further transmission and protect countries with weaker health systems.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of countries working together to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading further. He called on the international community to take urgent action to address the growing threat posed by the novel coronavirus.