The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency.
The WHO expects further international cases of the novel coronavirus so asks all governments to be prepared for containment, including active surveillance, early detection, isolation and case management, contact tracing and prevention of onward spread of the infection.
WHO executive director for health emergencies, Dr. Mike Ryan, just got back from China and says he is impressed with the level of engagement of the Chinese government at all levels.
He says, “The challenge is great but the response has been massive”.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister has said the federal government has secured an aircraft to bring Canadians back from China, but organizing the flight and getting the people out of quarantined areas is complicated.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says the health risk in this country is low.