German Health Minister says coronavirus outbreak has become 'global pandemic'

As dely coronavirus infects at least 240 people in Germany, country's Health Minister Jens Spahn has said that COVID-19 outbreak has turned into a “global pandemic” on March 4. He furr ded even though “ situation is changing very quickly” regarding fatal virus but has claimed that worst is yet to come. World Health Organisation (WHO) has so far stopped short of declaring epidemic which originated in China as a pandemic. 

" coronavirus outbreak in China has become a global pandemic," Sphan told German lawmakers. " situation is changing very quickly. What''s clear is that we have t yet reached peak of outbreak."

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't be too er to declare pandemic'

Since fatal virus has w spre to more than 70 countries and has affected every continent except Antarctica, WHO director-general, Tedros ham Ghebreyesus h said earlier that officials “should t be too er to declare a pandemic” in absence of “clear-minded analysis of facts”. However, UN health ncy has still declared its highest level of alarm which is a public health emergency of international concern. Using word 'pandemic' could give a signal that coronavirus can longer be contained, but Ghebreyesus said that it “is t true”. 

According to official website, Ghebreyesus explained, “Using word pandemic carelessly has tangible benefit, but it does have a significant risk in terms of amplifying unnecessary and unjustified fear and stigma, and paralyzing systems”.

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However, he later ded that organisation will t “hesitate” in declaring outbreak a pandemic if “it is an accurate description of situation”. UN health ncy is closely monitoring epidemic. Meanwhile, European Union office in Brussels has reported its first positive case of COVID-19. A spokesperson reportedly confirmed that an employee at European Defence ncy was tested positive on February 29.

According to an international media outlet, ncy has furr cancelled all meetings, and staff who were in close contact have also been sent home and told to self-isolate. More than 3,300 cases have reportedly been detected across Europe and more than two-thirds of m have been in Italy. death toll in Italy has also jumped to 79. According to reports, Ireland also has two confirmed cases so far.

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(With ncy inputs)