Coronavirus: WHO Declares Global Emergency

As the death toll rose to 213 in China, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global emergency for the Coronavirus epidemic. The Indian embassy in Beijing is reportedly planning a possible evacuation for Indian citizens living in Wuhan on Friday evening.

According to Chinese officials, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 9,692 and they have put 1,02,000 individuals under medical observation, with symptoms of the respiratory illness.

WHO defines an international emergency as an “extraordinary event” that constitutes a risk to other countries and requires a coordinated international response.

So far 18 countries, including Japan, Germany, United States, South Korea and India, have reported cases of the coronavirus.

“The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China but because of what is happening in other countries,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

“Our greatest concern is the potential for this virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems which are ill-prepared to deal with it. This declaration is not a vote of non-confidence in China.”

Russia on Thursday announced that it was closing its 4,180-km border with China. Mongolia and North Korea have already done so.

India reported its first case in Kerala on Thursday.

The Indian Embassy has reportedly declared that the first flight will carry those Indian nationals who are in and around Wuhan, while another one from other parts of Hubei province. A list of 374 students has been prepared. They will be allowed to evacuate subject to medical clearance by Chinese officials. They will be allowed to carry one cabin bag (7kg) and one check-in luggage (15kg).

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “We have made a formal request to the government of China for bringing back Indian nationals from the Hubei province in two flights. We are awaiting the necessary approval from the Chinese side. We hope this will be granted soon.”