13 new countries/territories/areas have reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
The Director-General of WHO said yesterday that Europe has now become the epicenter of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China.
Many countries are now acting on the eight pillars of WHO’s Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan.
WHO published guidance on ‘Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) when COVID-19 disease is suspected’ on 13 March. The document provides clinicians with updated interim guidance on timely, effective, and safe supportive management of patients with suspected and confirmed COVID-19.
SITUATION IN NUMBERS total and new cases in last 24 hours
Globally 142 539 confirmed (9769 new) 5393 deaths (438 new)
China 81 021 confirmed (18 new) 3194 deaths (14 new)
Outside of China
61 518 confirmed (9751 new) 2199 deaths (424 new) 135 countries/territories/ areas (13 new)
WHO RISK ASSESSMENT
China – Very High
Regional Level – Very High
Global Level – Very High
WHO has developed interim guidance for laboratory diagnosis, advice on the use of masks during home care and in health care settings in the context of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak, clinical management, infection prevention and control in health care settings, home care for patients with suspected novel coronavirus, risk communication and community engagement and Global Surveillance for human infection with novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
WHO is working closely with International Air Transport Association (IATA) and have jointly developed a guidance document to provide advice to cabin crew and airport workers, based on country queries. The guidance can be found on the IATA webpage.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVICE OF WHO FOR THE PUBLIC
If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not travelled from an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not been in contact with an infected patient, your risk of infection is low. It is understandable that you may feel anxious about the outbreak. Get the facts from reliable sources to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions.
Seek guidance from WHO, your healthcare provider, your national public health authority or your employer for accurate information on COVID-19 and whether COVID-19 is circulating where you live.
It is important to be informed of the situation and take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family.
If you are in an area where there are cases of COVID-19 you need to take the risk of infection seriously. Follow the advice of WHO and guidance issued by national and local health authorities. For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease (See Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading).
(Abstract of WHO Situation Report – 54 on COVID-19)
