WHO declares coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency
The World Health Organization on Thursday declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus a global health emergency, an acknowledgement of the risk the virus poses to countries beyond its origin in China and of the need for a more coordinated international response to the outbreak.
In making the announcement, WHO leaders urged countries not to restrict travel or trade to China, even as some have shut down borders and limited visas.
Late Thursday, the U.S. State Department increased its travel warning for China, saying people should avoid going to the country. In a tweet, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cited the emergency declaration and the ongoing spread of the virus for the decision, despite what WHO leaders said about travel policies.
“This is the time for science, not rumors,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said following a meeting of the agency’s emergency committee. “This is the time for solidarity, not stigma.”
Tedros, as he is called, stressed the
