Passengers wear protective masks to fend off the spread of coronavirus as they arrive on a flight ... [+] from Asia at Los Angeles International Airport on January 29, 2020. Photo by MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images(Updated: 4:29 p.m. EST, Jan. 30 2020)Topline: The World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday in a press conference that it is declaring coronavirus an international health emergency. Global markets are down as investors react to the virus’ spread, and businesses like Starbucks, Disney, IKEA and others have temporarily closed their doors in affected areas. Surprising fact: The WHO only rarely declares a disease a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern,” according to Reuters. WHO has previously used the “international public health emergency” designation for the 2019 ebola outbreak, the 2016 Zika virus, the 2014 polio and ebola outbreak, and the 2009 H1 flu pandemic.

Source: Forbes January 30, 2020 18:12 UTC