Coronavirus: Death toll rises to 719 as demand for protective gear grows

death toll due to deadly coronavirus in China has reached 719, Sputnik reported citing Chinese authorities on Saturday. According to country's health officials, number of people, who died of deadly coronavirus in Hubei province has risen to 699. number of infected people has also increased from 22,112 to 24,953. 

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Virus claims more lives

During daily briefing on Friday, Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adham Ghebreyesus stated that re is a lack of protective gear and medical supplies in region, with cost of each are up to 20 times higher. He said, " world is facing severe disruption in market for personal protective equipment. Demand is up to 100 times higher than rmal and prices are up to 20 times higher. This situation has been exacerbated by widespread, inappropriate use of PPE outside patient care. As a result, re are w depleted stockpiles and backlogs of 4 to 6 months. Global stocks of masks and respirators are w insufficient to meet needs of WHO and our partners."

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On Friday, US anunced that it will be providing $100 million, in addition to extended funds, to support China in tackling spreading virus.

Last week, WHO declared Coronavirus as a 'global public health emergency'. In order to tackle spreading virus,  WHO stated that international community has launched a USD 675 million preparedness and response plan covering months of February through to April 2020.

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Amidst growing crisis, WHO has repeatedly stated that it stands by China for its efforts to tackle crisis. Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adham Ghebreyesus recently stated, "Let me be clear: this declaration is t a vote of confidence in China. On contrary, WHO continues to have confidence in China’s capacity to control outbreak..To people of China & to all of those around world who have been affected by this outbreak, we want you to kw that stands with you."

In India, three people have been confirmed with Coronavirus, with all three cases in Kerala. patients are being kept in isolation. 

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