WHO Raises Global Risk Level of COVID-19 to 'Very High'

[Asia Economy International Department Reporter, New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the risk level of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) to 'very high' globally on the 28th (local time) as the virus spread worldwide.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on the day, "The continuous increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases and affected countries over the past few days is very concerning." Until now, WHO had assessed the global risk level of COVID-19 as only 'high.'

Director-General Ghebreyesus reported, "In the past 24 hours, China reported 329 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, which is considered the lowest number in the past month," but added, "Since yesterday, five countries including Denmark have reported their first confirmed cases, all of which are linked to Italy," and informed that "24 cases have spread from Italy to 14 countries."

However, he emphasized, "There is still no evidence that this virus is freely spreading in the community," and stressed, "If strong measures are taken for early detection, isolation, patient management, and contact tracing, we still have an opportunity to contain this virus."

The Director-General also announced progress in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. He noted that more than 20 vaccines are being developed worldwide, and the first results are expected within a few weeks.