An international emergency: six important questions answered

FEARS are growing that the spread of coronavirus could become a pandemic as new cases are reported globally.

• How close are we to a pandemic?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) no longer uses the official term pandemic, a spokesman said, adding that coronavirus remains an international emergency. Under the old system, a pandemic was declared when a new disease spread to several countries and showed sustained transmission between humans. Some experts say this is obviously happening with coronavirus.

• What’s happening in the UK?

There have been 13 confirmed cases in the UK so far, all linked to known cases from Asia. Experts are worried, however, about the emergence of Covid-19 disease in people with no clear contact with anyone from affected Asian countries, suggesting it is being passed on by people with no symptoms.

• Should we be worried about Italy?

Yes. Cases in Italy have doubled within a few days and the country now has the largest number of cases in Europe, at more than 160. There is concern that unless the outbreak of the virus is contained within Italy, there could be more rapid spread in other European countries.

• What about the rest of the world?

About 77,000 people in China, where the virus emerged in the city of Wuhan, have been infected and nearly 2,600 have died. More than 1,200 cases have been confirmed in 26 other countries globally, and there have been more than 20 deaths.

• Are some groups more at risk?

Yes, including the elderly and those with long-term conditions. Experts are becoming increasingly concerned that the virus is being spread by asymptomatic people, and the incubation period may be longer than 14 days.

• What happens next?

The next step would be to mitigate the impact of continued transmission. Measures could include social distancing, such as closing schools, nurseries, sporting events and workplaces, and asking people to stay home and avoid public transport.