WHO calls the coronavirus carnage in China the 'tip of the iceberg'
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Feb 11, 2020, 12:22 IST
Hundreds of scientists are struggling to find a cure for the deadly novel coronavirus. According to WHO, only 168 labs in the world have the technology to diagnose the virus.
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So far, the total nCOV has spread to at least 27 countries, taking the total confirmed cases to 43,100.
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Three of these cases were diagnosed in Kerala in India which detained more than 800 people. Moreover over 300 people who were evacuated from Wuhan are kept in an isolated facility near Manesar in Haryana.
In France, two schools were shut after five students were diagnosed with the virus. While Japan reported a total of 69 cases out of the 3700 people who were on a quarantined cruise ship. Apart from those on the ship, Japan separately reported 26 cases.
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Singapore confirmed three more cases on January 9, taking the total confirmed cases to 43. With the increase in total number of cases in China, the mortality rate of the virus rose from 2.2% to 2.4% on Monday.
The vice dean of Shanghai Fudan University was hopeful that they might see “a turning point in the outbreak”. However, WHO chief Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva that “It could be the spark that becomes a bigger fire.”
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China has extended its Lunar New Year Holiday by more than 10 days. Most of the busiest parts in Beijing, Shanghai and other parts of China were empty after the cities were under lockdown.
China also locked down 80 cities and has asked people to wear masks while traveling.
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Several airlines including British Airways canceled all flights to mainland China, especially Wuhan which was the epicenter of the outbreak.