By Winnie Kamau

The new Novel Coronavirus has been declared a Global Emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the outbreak continues to spread outside China.

WHO Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the main reason for escalating the novel virus to a Global emergency was the effect it had on other countries who had weaker health systems.

“The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happening in other countries” Adding “The concern is that it could spread to other countries with weaker health systems,” said Dr. Tedros.

The Novel Coronavirus cases were first discovered in one of China’s cities, Wuhan in Hubei Province. At least 213 people in China have died from the virus mainly from Hubei where the virus first emerged.

Speaking at a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland Dr. Tedros described the virus as an unprecedented outbreak.

In thanking the Chinese Government for their efforts to control the spread of the virus, Dr. Tedros also noted the bravery of the first responders including the nurses and doctors for their tireless effort in treating patients.

“Let me be clear, this declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China,” said Dr. Tedros.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University and visualized by Statista, shows 18 countries have had confirmed cases so far. Canda has had 3 confirmed cases, the USA has had 6 cases, France 5 cases, Finland 1, Germany 4 cases, Italy 2 cases, Nepal 1, India 1 case, UAE, 4 cases, Thailand 14 cases, Sri Lanka, 1, Cambodia 1, Singapore 10 cases, 2 cases in Vietnam, Australia 9, South Korea 6 cases, Japan 11 cases, Taiwan 9 cases, Hong Kong 12 cases, Philippines 1, Macau 7 cases, Malaysia 8 cases while Mainland China has had 9,658 confirmed cases.

Many airlines have suspended their flights to China including Kenya Airways which is the national carrier for Kenya. While other countries like Japan and the United Kingdom sent their flights to evacuate their citizens.

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