The World Health Organisation has convened a group of experts to fast-track promising tests, drugs and vaccines to help slow the outbreak of a new coronavirus that emerged in China. The coronavirus, which has spread to two dozen other countries, was only identified late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan and there are no licensed drugs or vaccines. Diagnostic tests have been developed by several laboratories, but there are no rapid tests available. To date, the virus has infected more than 42,000 people and killed 1,007, with 99% of the cases found in China. Experts say it could still be months or even years before any approved treatments or vaccines are developed.

Source: Irish Independent February 11, 2020 11:15 UTC