The WHO situation report – 18 was released today summarizing the current status of the coronavirus. As you remember, last Thursday it was announced to be a global health emergency. Today, no new countries have reported any cases of the 2019-nCoV in the past 24 hours. As of now, 72 State Parties were identified to be implementing travel restrictions. The most confirmed cases of coronavirus are in Hubei, China with 22,112 total confirmed cases.
The United States has 12 confirmed new cases with 10 a travel history to China, and 2 cases with possible or confirmed transmission outside of China. Additionally, out of 216 cases reported outside of China, 15 were detected while asymptomatic. Since coronavirus has a long incubation period, early detection is very important to prevent further spread. While people are asymptomatic, they are not expressing signs or symptoms, so the person can infect other people without knowing they are sick. The WHO has issued strategic objectives that include limiting human transmission via close contacts and spread from China, isolate patients, and identify and reduce the animal source.
The WHO also states that they are working closely with the International Air Transport Association to provide advice to cabin crew and airport workers. Additionally, the WHO has provided a protocol for detecting early cases. In fact, a report by the CDC has announced a laboratory test kit to test for the 2019 novel corona virus that can be shipped to qualified international laboratories around the world. Lastly, they have recommendations and advice for the public. They advise the public not to contact people suffering from acute respiratory infections, to frequently wash hands, and to avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.
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