China’s coronavirus outbreak has prompted some travel restrictions. That could backfire
On Thursday, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declined to declare the new coronavirus outbreak a PHEIC — a public health emergency of international concern. The pneumonia-like virus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan before spreading to several other countries, prompted Chinese authorities to lock down several cities and prevent some 25 million people from leaving. These actions raise questions about the true severity of the outbreak, increasing uncertainty in an already uncertain situation.
While the WHO’s director general has the authority to declare a PHEIC, he is advised by an expert committee that was split on whether the criteria had been met.… Seguir leyendo »