The World Health Organization declared Thursday that the deadly outbreak fueled by a new coronavirus from China has become a global health emergency, citing fears that the microbe will soon reach smaller, poorer countries incapable of stemming its spread. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organization is not recommending any measures that would limit travel or international trade. Even with the new declaration, the agency will be able to do little more than cajole and exhort the international community to cooperate, and to guide the efforts of philanthropies active in public health efforts. AdvertisementAn expert advisory committee debated for almost eight hours before recommending that WHO formally declare the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The circulation of a new virus across international borders, along with its transmission directly from person to person within several countries, are key milestones in the making of a public health emergency.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 30, 2020 19:50 UTC