The coronavirus outbreak has officially surpassed the 2003 SARS epidemic in Mainland China. Consequently, the city of Wuhan is on lockdown, and citizens are quickly evacuating as the virus continues to spread.
What is the coronavirus?
It’s similar to the common flu or Ebola. The coronavirus is a classic deadly disease, and the world is encountering it for the first time. The virus originates in animal hosts such as bats and camels. Although It’s typically rare for this type of virus to cause human infection, but that’s exactly what’s happening. Most of the infected persons frequented or worked in the Wuhan city Huanan seafood wholesale market where live and recently slaughtered animals are sold.
What we know…and you should too?
Authorities confirm 6,078 cases with thousands of more suspected. The death toll has risen to 132, and 18 other countries are reporting cases of the coronavirus. The Chinese government has effectively quarantined an estimated 60 million people and has plans to construct an entirely new hospital in the city of Wuhan within just one week.
Certain countries are banning entry from Asian nations, and the automotive manufacturer, Toyota, is even suspending production until further notice. U.S. companies like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Apple have closed some of their branches or shortened operating hours.
Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, tweeted this morning: “As always, our number one priority is protecting American citizens in times of crisis,” Pompeo wrote. “We are sparing no effort to protect our people and help #China contain the #coronavirus outbreak.”
A shipment of more than six tons of medical supplies landed in Shanghai this morning. Furthermore, UNICEF sent the supplies to aid health officials, citing that a large number of children are among the 6,000 plus affected.
Several U.S. universities, including the University of Virginia, Maryland, American, etc. are sending Chinese exchange students home and bringing U.S. students studying abroad back.
Symptoms and how to protect yourself.
Symptoms of the coronavirus typically show up as regular common cold symptoms. Thus, Those infected may experience a headache, fever, runny nose, cough, etc. With no current cure or vaccine, the best way to protect yourself is to be mindful by regularly washing hands, covering nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and wearing a mask around those you know might be infected.
What are your thoughts on the coronavirus? Should we be this concerned?
Lastly, let us know your thoughts in the comments!
