Updated on 14 February 2020
The Situation:
As of Friday, 14 February, over 64,400 confirmed novel coronavirus (newly named COVID-19 by WHO) cases worldwide and 1,384 deaths. Three deaths have been reported outside of mainland China with Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan all reporting one each. Number of cases outside of mainland China has seen increases directly related to the number of repatriated nationals from Wuhan and surrounding areas.
The number of confirmed cases jumped significantly over recent days (still largely in Hubei Province in China and Wuhan in particular) as authorities changed diagnostic criteria for counting new cases. “The Chinese government now takes into account cases diagnosed in clinical settings, including the use of CT scans, and not just those confirmed with specialized testing kits.” Specialized testing kits have been known to give false negative results.
The WHO stated that there’s no major shift in the pattern of the virus’ mortality or severity and that cases outside of mainland China have not seen large jumps. Chinese officials also announced that six health workers have died and 1,716 have been infected since the outbreak.
The World Health Organization's Emergency Committee met 30 January and declared the outbreak a global emergency amid the recent jump in the number of infected patients and the number of countries impacted. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State announced its highest travel Alert Level 4 – Do Not Travel for all of China late the same night – joining the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the U.S. Center for Disease Control. A team of international experts from the WHO arrived in Beijing Monday (2/10) evening to begin looking into the coronavirus outbreak.
Number of Confirmed Cases by Country:
**Reports on numbers are expected to change rapidly as the exact impact of the virus is still under investigation and hospitals are increasingly overwhelmed by the current demands.
Mainland China: 63,866 (varying number being reported as some include Hong Kong and Macau)
Australia: 15
Belgium: 1
Cambodia: 1
Canada: 7
Finland: 1
France: 11
Germany: 16
Hong Kong: 56
India: 3
Italy: 3
Japan: 29
Macau: 10
Malaysia: 19
Nepal: 1
Philippines: 3
Russia: 2
Singapore: 67
South Korea: 28
Spain: 2
Sri Lanka: 1
Sweden: 1
Taiwan: 18
Thailand: 33
Tibet: 1
U.A.E.: 8
U.S.: 15
U.K.: 9
Vietnam: 16
Diamond Princess Cruise Ship (moored in Japan): 218
Death Toll:
China: 1,384
Hong Kong: 1
Philippines: 1
Japan: 1
Travel Effects:
Chinese authorities have effectively quarantined Wuhan and 12 surrounding cities and advised its citizens not leave unless absolutely necessary
Many other Chinese cities have also chosen to cancel Chinese New Year festivities and major public events indefinitely.
Several countries, such as Japan, US and Australia, established plans to evacuate citizens from impacted areas.
Many countries have urged citizens to reconsider travel or avoid nonessential travel to China and avoid all travel to Hubei.
Airlines around the world suspended services to all or some of China
Several countries banned foreigners who recently traveled to China and/or are Chinese passport holders and increased health screening measure at ports of entry
Chinese nationals restricted from booking international flights out of the country
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
Officials say the respiratory disease, is capable of spreading through human-to-human contact, droplets carried through sneezing and coughing, and germs left on inanimate objects. Chinese officials warn that the virus might spread during the incubation period – when a person has the virus but isn’t yet showing symptoms. Incubation period is currently believed to be anywhere from 1 to 14 days.
Authorities have advised citizens to be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
High fever
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Cough and/or sore throat
Muscle Aches in some cases also being reported
Pneumonia (secondary infection)
Mitigating Measures to Apply:
Monitor local authorities for updates
Avoid travel to or through Wuhan
Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat)
Wash hands frequently with soap and water; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water isn’t available
Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at higher risk, if traveling to Wuhan and should speak to their healthcare provider before travel
Avoid exposure to those presenting the above symptoms
Allow extra time for temperature screening at airports worldwide
Enroll in a Safe Traveler Program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy
Seek medical care immediately if you experience symptoms and have recently traveled to the infected areas; notify your healthcare provider of your recent travel
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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