The death toll currently stands at 213
It’s been a rough start to 2020 and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better anytime soon. The Wuhan coronavirus is showing no signs of letting up, with the death toll now surpassing 200 and the confirmed cases globally now at 9776 people.
While it is worth noting that of the 9776 confirmed cases, 98% of it have occurred in China (with all deaths so far having taken place in China as well), the World Health Organization is not taking any chances. The coronavirus has officially been declared a global health emergency by the WHO, who cites the increasing spread of the virus outside of China as the main reason for the declaration.
With the number of cases outside of China now at 118, the fear is that the virus finds its way into a country that simply cannot cope with it. There are many low and middle income countries around the world that simply lack the tools to identify, screen people and contain the virus.
WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the virus as an “unprecedented outbreak” that has been met with an “unprecedented response” at a news conference today and praised the “extraordinary measures” Chinese authorities have taken to prevent the virus from spreading. He was also very careful about the narrative surrounding China, saying that there was no reason to limit trade or travel to China, adding: “Let me be clear, this declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China”.
Here in Malaysia, the total number of cases has increased to 8, with all 8 infected being Chinese nationals. As you would expect, the atmosphere here is that of paranoia, with masks completely sold out at most places and the anti china sentiments in full swing. Coronavirus or not, there should never be a place for racism or hate. It’s 2020, lets be a little more civilized, shall we?
Most companies here are encouraging employees who are feeling under the weather to work from home for up to 14 days. With 5 more people currently being suspected of coming down with the virus here, you can expect the total number of cases to increase in the days to come.
