Governments around the world are scrambling to contain the spread of COVID-19, which is growing globally even as transmission in China, where the virus originated at the end of last year, continues to show signs of slowing.
There are more than 93,000 cases around the world – the overwhelming majority in China – but as deaths are reported in Italy, Iran and the United States.
Besides Iraq, Poland, Morocco, Andorra, Armenia and Argentina have all confirmed their first cases of the virus in the past 24 hours.
Worst Affected Country Outside Asia
Italy is now the worst-affected country from the coronavirus outside Asia, overtaking Iran in terms of the number of deaths and infections from the virus.
The death toll in Italy, Europe’s worst-affected country, jumped to 79 on Tuesday from 52. As of Wednesday morning, there are 2,502 cases of the virus in Italy.
According to CNBC, “The death toll in Italy jumped to 79 on Tuesday, up from an official total of 52 on Monday. As of Wednesday morning, there are 2,502 cases of the virus in Italy, according to Italian media reports that are updated ahead of the daily official count, published by Italy’s Civil Protection Agency every evening.”
Authorities around the world are considering new travel restrictions and quarantine zones.
Check out the World Health Organisation for rolling updates on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization is appealing to
“industry and governments to increase manufacturing of personal protective equipment by 40% to meet rising global demand due to #COVID19 outbreak and to protect #healthworkers”
.@WHO calls on industry and governments to increase manufacturing of personal protective equipment by 40% to meet rising global demand due to #COVID19 outbreak and to protect #healthworkers. https://t.co/AvmOAfc6hr #coronavirus
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 3, 2020
So Much Information, So Much Misinformation
Everybody has a theory about how it spreads, its incubation time and how sick infected people can get.
I’m one of those people who only worries about things I can control and it seems to me that each and every one of us can do our bit to keep safe from the virus – we may also limit the spread of other germs in the process.
According to the World Health Organisation we all need to stay aware of information on the COVID-19 outbreak and remember that most people who become infected experience mild flu-like illness. But it can be deadly for people with pre-exsiting conditions and compromised immune systems, so it is essential to take care of ourselves andothers.
A few practical things we can all do can make a big difference:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Practice respiratory hygiene
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: Avoid close contact with people who are sick; avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth; wash hand with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
https://youtu.be/7-lW0s2yJA0
