Coronavirus pandemic a question of ‘when’ not ‘if’, warns U.S.
Asia reported hundreds of new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, including a U.S. soldier stationed in South Korea, as the United States warned of an inevitable pandemic and outbreaks in Italy and Iran spread to other countries. Reuters.
New data from China buttress fears about high coronavirus fatality rate, WHO expert says
The case fatality rate — the percentage of known infected people who die — is between 2% and 4% in Hubei province, and 0.7% in other parts of China A case fatality rate of between 2% to 4% rivals and even exceeds that of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, which is estimated to have killed upwards of 50 million people. STAT.
Shortages, confusion and poor communication complicate coronavirus preparations
Major U.S. hospital systems are burning through their supplies of specialized masks needed for a widespread epidemic of coronavirus, in part because federal protocols call for them to be thrown out after a single use in practice sessions, federal officials have told health-care leaders. The Washington Post.
Although there are still zero confirmed cases in San Francisco residents, the global picture is changing rapidly, and we need to step up preparedness,” Breed said in a statement Tuesday. “ LATimes.
Latin America’s first coronavirus case was confirmed in Brazil.
The infected man had traveled to Italy, where the virus is spreading.
It comes as Brazil is in the midst of Carnival, a hugely popular festival that draws large crowds into close quarters for raucous street celebrations. NYT
New virus has infected 81,000 globally, caused 2,700 deaths
A viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 81,000 people globally.
US soldier in South Korea tests positive for coronavirus
A U.S. soldier stationed in South Korea has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the first such case involving a U.S. service member. TheHill.
EU calls for coordinated European response to coronavirus
European Union countries should coordinate their responses to the outbreak of the coronavirus to avoid diverging approaches, the EU’s Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told reporters. Reuters.
A faulty CDC coronavirus test delays monitoring of disease’s spread
Experts fear the small number of U.S. covid-19 cases reflects limited testing rather than a lack of infections. WashingtonPost.
Trump will hold White House news conference on coronavirus on Wednesday
U.S. President Donald Trump said he will hold a news conference on the coronavirus at 6 p.m. (2300 GMT) on Wednesday, as infections surge globally and U.S. health officials urge Americans to prepare for it to spread in the United States. Reuters.
Trump, US officials send mixed messages on virus risk here
The White House budget office said the requested funding would be used for vaccine development, treatment and protective equipment, but Republicans and Democrats have said the amount is insufficient. ModernHealthcare.
Worried Chinese turn to online doctor consultations amid coronavirus outbreak
Spooked by a sneeze or a cough, Chinese consumers are turning to online consultations in droves for advice about possible coronavirus symptoms – a boon for a fledgling industry that has struggled to win over customers. Reuters.
Facebook to ban misleading ads about coronavirus
Facebook Inc said on Wednesday it would ban advertisements referring to any cures or prevention around the coronavirus outbreak, and those that create a sense of urgency around the situation. Reuters.
Company says its coronavirus vaccine is ready for first tests
US biotech firm Moderna has shipped an experimental coronavirus vaccine to US government researchers just six weeks after it started working on the immunization. Initial trials of the potential vaccine could begin in April, but the process of testing and approvals would last at least a year. CNN.
Will warming spring temperatures slow the coronavirus outbreak?
Flu season generally subsides in April and March, but will the coronavirus go with it? Past coronavirus outbreaks can offer clues .Whether the coronavirus that’s quickly spreading around the world will follow the flu season and subside with spring’s arrival is unsatisfyingly uncertain, and many scientists say it’s too soon to know how the dangerous virus will behave in warmer weather. NationalGeographic.
Prepare for canceled work, school when coronavirus comes to U.S., health officials say
Disruptions from the deadly novel coronavirus could be “severe” in the United States, health officials warned Americans on Tuesday. It could mean shuttered schools, canceled community events, and it could also force employers to rethink the way they do business to reduce the transmission of the virus. MSN.
How to Prepare for the Coronavirus
Wash your hands. Keep a good supply of essential medicines. Get a flu shot. Experts offer practical tips on how to get ready for a possible outbreak. NYT.
