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.”
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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
https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1227248333871173632?s=20
