A CDC worker collects biomaterial from suspected 2019-nCoV patients for nucleic acid tests in Wuhan, ... [+] China on Tuesday. Feature China/Barcroft Media via Getty Images(Updated: 12:35 p.m. EST, Feb. 5 2020)Topline: Bill and Melinda Gates are donating $100 million to coronavirus vaccine research and treatment efforts, which was announced as part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) request for $675 million in global contributions to fight the spread of the disease. In addition to focusing on vaccine and diagnostic research, the Gates Foundation’s $100 million donation will be used to protect at-risk populations in Africa and South Asia. During a Tuesday press conference, WHO Infections Hazards Director Dr. Sylvia Briand said the coronavirus outbreak did not classify as a pandemic, but the organization did declare coronavirus an international public health emergency on January 30. The U.S. has 11 confirmed cases, and flights from China are being redirected to 11 American airports that are screening those travelers.

Source: Forbes February 05, 2020 15:56 UTC