The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom, has declared that the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). A previous meeting to consider to a similar announcement did not result in any PHIEC classification.
“This declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China. On the contrary, WHO continues to have confidence in China’s capacity to control the outbreak.”
Dr Tedros (WHO DG)
This was the decision reached at the end of the second meeting of the Emergency Committee that was convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) regarding the outbreak of novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the People’s Republic of China, with exportations to other countries.
The committee however believes it is still possible to interrupt virus spread, provided that countries put in place strong measures to detect disease early, isolate and treat cases, trace contacts, and promote social distancing measures commensurate with the risk.
“In line with the need for global solidarity, the committee felt that a global coordinated effort is needed to enhance preparedness in other regions of the world that may need additional support for that,” the committee agreed.