After an initial outbreak downplayed by Chinese officials and a limited number of cases worldwide, it now appears the COVID-19 virus is making its terrible grand entrance onto the global stage.
Now, at least one Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official is warning it could get much, much worse.
Although the contagious novel coronavirus caused the Chinese communist government to place hundreds of millions of people on lockdown, its presence in other countries was relatively low until recently.
But a spike in confirmed cases across several continents has governments taking drastic measures to isolate and end the viral outbreak.
In South Korea, where the number of confirmed cases quadrupled over the course of just two days, according to The Washington Post, the government has partially locked down two cities. Daegu and Cheongdo were declared “special management zones,” The Korea Herald reported.
While it’s not a full quarantine, the order gives the outbreak a sense of urgency.
Luigi Mangione update: Suspected murder weapon admissible at trial in state case, other evidence suppressed
11 National Park Service workers evacuated by helicopter amid California fire
How Chinese EVs Coming from Canada May Impact US National Security
Scandal-Ridden Hospital to Open First US ‘Detransition’ Clinic in Historic Legal Settlement
‘Backyard brawl’ ignites as West Virginia’s Morrisey moves to poach blue state rival Spanberger’s jobs
Cassidy primary defeat is a ‘loss for the country,’ Romney says
Josh Shapiro tests political clout in Pennsylvania primary
Arkansas man allegedly threatened Walmart mass shooting over hantavirus lockdown fears, authorities say
Austin police arrest 2 juveniles allegedly linked to 12 random shootings injuring 4 people
Trump reads Bible as thousands pack National Mall for America 250 prayer rally
Attorney for man accused of throwing rock at endangered Hawaiian monk seal says client was protecting turtles
Faith and government leaders celebrate US as ‘One Nation Under God’ at Rededicate 250
Sean Spicer-linked group makes case for Trump to seniors before midterm elections
Two Navy jets crash midair as crew successfully ejects during Idaho military base air show
Blue State May Have Slipped Up While Defending Its Ammo Ban
Authorities in the crowded peninsula of 51 million will have to work with caution and determination to keep the country from following the same path as China.
A comparatively smaller spike of COVID-19 cases in the Lombardy region of Italy caught officials off guard. According to Deutsche Welle, public buildings and schools in towns across northern Italy are are being shuttered to prevent additional transmission.
Local media seems to hint the affected areas are beginning to see the precursors of a more serious reaction, as multiple train stations near the outbreak have been ordered to close.
A similar outbreak in Iran led to the deaths of two men before the country was even listed as having any confirmed cases by the World Health Organization.
In America, fear of the coronarivus is now being seen.
Entertainment giant Sony announced the company is no longer attending a major industry convention in Boston, PAX East, “due to increasing concerns related to COVID-19.
Luigi Mangione update: Suspected murder weapon admissible at trial in state case, other evidence suppressed
11 National Park Service workers evacuated by helicopter amid California fire
How Chinese EVs Coming from Canada May Impact US National Security
Scandal-Ridden Hospital to Open First US ‘Detransition’ Clinic in Historic Legal Settlement
‘Backyard brawl’ ignites as West Virginia’s Morrisey moves to poach blue state rival Spanberger’s jobs
Cassidy primary defeat is a ‘loss for the country,’ Romney says
Josh Shapiro tests political clout in Pennsylvania primary
Arkansas man allegedly threatened Walmart mass shooting over hantavirus lockdown fears, authorities say
Austin police arrest 2 juveniles allegedly linked to 12 random shootings injuring 4 people
Trump reads Bible as thousands pack National Mall for America 250 prayer rally
Attorney for man accused of throwing rock at endangered Hawaiian monk seal says client was protecting turtles
Faith and government leaders celebrate US as ‘One Nation Under God’ at Rededicate 250
Sean Spicer-linked group makes case for Trump to seniors before midterm elections
Two Navy jets crash midair as crew successfully ejects during Idaho military base air show
Blue State May Have Slipped Up While Defending Its Ammo Ban
Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the Center for the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, says U.S. health officials are undertaking major preparation for a possible health disaster in the country.
“We are working with state, local and territorial health departments to ready our public health workforce to respond to local cases and the possibility this outbreak could become a pandemic,” Messonnier told reporters Friday.
U.S. CDC official Nancy Messonnier: "We are working with state, local, and territorial health departments to ready our public health workforce to respond to local cases and the possibility this outbreak could become a pandemic"
— BNO Newsroom (@BNODesk) February 21, 2020
It’s unclear if or how the CDC would declare the health emergency a pandemic, or what specific measures the agency would take in that situation.
The virus’ impact here at home and abroad has not been fully realized, but there’s a good chance that the worst is yet to come.
Story cited here.
