The World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency.
The WHO says the disease now represents a risk beyond China with cases confirmed in 18 countries around the world. The declaration states that the international spread of the disease “potentially requires a coordinated international response.”
170 have died in China, say officials, and that number continues to rise. The WHO notified all United Nations members that the situation should now be considered serious. The declaration states “all countries should be prepared for containment, including active surveillance, early detection, isolation and case management.” This gives countries grounds to decide whether to take measures, such as closing borders or screening people at airports.
Infections have now spread to more than 8,000 people worldwide, surpassing the SARS epidemic.
The announcement comes as cases have started to appear in people who had not travelled to China during the outbreak.
Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern announced earlier this week that they are working together to evacuate Australian and New Zealand citizens from Wuhan.
