WHO declares COVID-19 a global pandemic

The World Health Organization has officially declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. This announcement comes as the number of cases outside of China continues to rise at an alarming rate. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that they are deeply concerned by both the alarming levels of spread and severity, as well as the alarming levels of inaction. He emphasized that all countries must take a comprehensive approach to controlling the spread of the virus and ensuring the safety of their citizens.

As of now, there are over 118,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 114 countries, with more than 4,000 deaths. The WHO is calling on all countries to step up their efforts to combat the virus and protect vulnerable populations. They have also issued guidelines for how countries can effectively respond to the outbreak, including measures such as testing, isolation, and contact tracing.

This announcement serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of the situation and the need for global cooperation to address this pandemic. The WHO will continue to provide updates and guidance as the situation develops.