‘It has potential to spread to countries’, WHO declares amid new COVID outbreak in China

Following the recent outbreak of a new strain of Coronavirus in China, the World Health Organisation has declared the situation as a global health emergency.

The international organisation also expressed concern over the virus’ ability to spread to countries with weak health systems.

Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO’s director-general said the organisation’s committee on epidemic in an almost unanimous decision declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern(PHEIC).

According to Tedros, the decision which was not taken easily is as a result of happenings across countries of the world, not just China.

He said, “Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems and which are ill-prepared to deal with it.

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

Stating that the WHO is confident that China can contain the disease outbreak, Tedros highlighted recommendations which include the development of vaccines among others for controlling the incidents.

For the past few days China has been inundated with the growing incidents from the outbreak of the disease.

However, no fatality has been reported since the outbreak of the disease which has overwhelmed China hospitals and health workers.