The world is preparing to respond to the risk of the Covid-19 pandemic becoming a global pandemic as the number of new infections outside m...
The world is preparing to respond to the risk of the Covid-19 pandemic becoming a global pandemic as the number of new infections outside mainland China increases.
As of 2/28, the Covid-19 epidemic caused by the new strain of Corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) infected more than 83800 people worldwide and killed 2867 people.
China mainland alone recorded 327 new cases yesterday, the lowest since January 23. This brings the total number of infections in mainland China to more than 78800 with nearly 2800 deaths.
The number of infections and deaths in mainland China remains the highest. But new outbreaks in turn broke out in 56 countries and territories in Asia, Latin America, Europe and Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) only on February 28, more than 10 countries have recorded the first case. Including: Nigeria, New Zealand, Lithuania and Belarus.
Many people lined up to buy masks in front of a store in Seoul, South Korea on February 28
Photo: Reuters
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned all countries around the world should be prepared to respond to the risk of the Covid-19 pandemic becoming a global pandemic, according to Reuters.
"No country can claim that they are immune to the Covid-19 epidemic, because it is a fatal mistake," Tedros said at a meeting at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. .
The WHO director-general added that there are currently 20 Covid-19 vaccines under development.
"Decisive moment"
In Europe, the number of deaths from Covid-19 in Italy has increased to 17 and the number of infections has increased to more than 650, the highest in the continent.
Besides, when the number of cases doubled to 38 with 2 deaths in France, President of the country Emmanuel Macron worried: "We have an immediate crisis."
Germany has 60 infections, isolated about 1000 people and Spain recorded 25 cases. Meanwhile, the Greek government announced that it would strengthen border control and warn of the risk of an outbreak of Covid-19.
Many unknown things about SARS-CoV-2
Scientists warn that much is still unknown about SARS-CoV-2 and that it takes 18 months to develop the vaccine.
Worryingly, the case of a female Covid-19 patient in Japan who recovered, but remained positive for SARS-CoV-2 after retesting.
Cases of reinfection after recovery have also been reported in mainland China and experts warn the risk that patients recovering may have SARS-CoV-2 in their bodies but still have no immunity.
CDC Director Robert Redfield said the agency is assessing how long SARS-CoV-2 can persist on different surfaces. "It is about 2 hours on copper and steel surfaces, but cardboard or plastic is more likely and we are considering this," said Redfield.
South Korea had the highest number of cases outside mainland China, and recorded more than 570 new cases on February 28, bringing the total number of cases to 2337 with 16 deaths.
Iran, meanwhile, has 34 people died from Covid-19, the highest outside mainland China, and more than 388 cases, including Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi and Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar.
WHO Director-General Tedros said that South Korea, Iran and Italy are at a critical point (ie the early stage of the disease outbreak), so prompt action is needed.
Stock up on medical supplies
Governments in countries and territories around the world have increased their reserves of medical supplies. At the same time, all schools are closed and canceled for major events to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic, according to AFP.
For example, North Korea has no cases but the government has asked to extend the period of time until the next notice. The Japanese government has ordered all schools to close until the end of March, canceling major events in the next 2 weeks.
Japan has pledged that the Olympics will take place in Tokyo in July, but WHO is discussing with organizers on this issue. The number of infections in Japan increased to 226, with 5 deaths, excluding more than 700 infections and 5 deaths from the isolated Diamond Princess yacht in Yokohama.
The US government, meanwhile, is considering using the privilege under the Defense Production Act of 1950. In order to increase China's mask production, it controls a lot of raw materials and this item is rarely produced in the United States. Currently the United States has 60 cases and more than 8400 people are being watched in California because of Covid-19.
Ms. Phoenix
