The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) which is affecting 28 countries and territories around the world has its official name.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is the name officially given to the (2019-nCoV).
“Under agreed guidelines between WHO, the OIE Animal Health & FAO, we had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease,” Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros said.
He added that, “having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing. It also gives us a standard format to use for any future coronavirus outbreaks.”
BREAKING! Coronavirus whistleblower Dr Li Wenliang’s death sparks anger in China
As of 6am Geneva time this morning, there were 42,708 confirmed #COVID19 cases reported in #China & tragically we have now surpassed 1000 deaths – 1018 people have lost their lives to this virus so far.
With 37,758 currently affected, 7,345 (19%) of the COVID-19 cases are classified as ‘severe’ while 30,413 (81%) are in mild condition.
Outside China, there are 393 cases in 24 countries, with 1 death. Check out the live updates and fact sheet here
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
"We now have a name for the #2019nCoV disease:
COVID-19.
I’ll spell it: C-O-V-I-D hyphen one nine – COVID-19"
–@DrTedros #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Kh0wx2qfzk
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 11, 2020
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