Coronavirus: "The threat of a pandemic has become very real", according to the WHO

The director general of the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday that "the threat of a pandemic" of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 110,000 people worldwide, has "become very real".

"Now that the coronavirus has taken hold in many countries, the threat of a pandemic has become very real. But it would be the first pandemic in history that could be controlled," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, during a press conference in Geneva.

He also said that more than 70% of the 80,000 people infected with Covid-19 in China have recovered, saying the Asian giant "is in the process of controlling the epidemic".

Two new deaths in France, more than 500 in Europe

In France, the government is ready for an aggravation of the situation which is already seriously affecting the economy and which has forced many events behind closed doors.

Two new deaths were recorded Monday, in Corsica and in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, bringing to 21 the total number of deceased people, while 1,191 cases are confirmed, according to the count of the Ministry of Health.

On the European side, Cyprus said on Monday that it had registered its first two cases of people infected with the coronavirus, an announcement which means that all 27 countries of the European Union are now affected by the epidemic. In Germany, local authorities on Monday recorded the first two deaths of patients infected with the new virus. According to an AFP count, Europe passed the 500 death mark on Monday, with 97 dead counted Monday in Italy, country of the continent most affected, with a total of 463 deaths since the beginning of the epidemic in this country.

US Administration Urges Seniors To Stock

Health officials in the United States urged those most likely to fall seriously ill from coronavirus on Monday, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, to stock up on supplies and medicines to prepare to stay at home.

"Make sure you have stocks, including blood pressure and diabetes medications, and other common medications to treat fever and other symptoms," said Nancy Messonnier, an official with the US Centers for health control and disease prevention (CDC).

"Have enough household goods and supplies to prepare yourself if you ever have to stay at home for a while," she added.

So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on. At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that!

President Donald Trump, however, downplayed the coronavirus crisis on Monday, which he says is out of all proportion to that of the seasonal flu.

"Last year, 37,000 Americans died from the flu. It causes an average of between 27,000 and 70,000 (dead) a year. Nothing is closed, life and the economy are running their course. At this point , there are 546 confirmed coronavirus cases and 22 deaths. Think about it! ", he wrote on Twitter.

With AFP and Reuters

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