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W.H.O. Declares Global Emergency as Wuhan Coronavirus Spreads W.H.O. Declares Global Emergency as Wuhan Coronavirus Spreads
(about 16 hours later)
The World Health Organization declared a global health emergency on Thursday as the coronavirus outbreak spread well beyond China, where it emerged last month.The World Health Organization declared a global health emergency on Thursday as the coronavirus outbreak spread well beyond China, where it emerged last month.
The move reversed the organization’s decision just a week ago to hold off such a declaration. Since then, there have been thousands of new cases in China and clear evidence of human-to-human transmission in several other countries, including the United States.The move reversed the organization’s decision just a week ago to hold off such a declaration. Since then, there have been thousands of new cases in China and clear evidence of human-to-human transmission in several other countries, including the United States.
All of which warranted a reconsideration by the W.H.O.’s emergency committee, officials said.All of which warranted a reconsideration by the W.H.O.’s emergency committee, officials said.
The declaration “is not a vote of no confidence in China,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O.’s director-general. “On the contrary, the W.H.O. continues to have confidence in China’s capacity to control the outbreak.”The declaration “is not a vote of no confidence in China,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O.’s director-general. “On the contrary, the W.H.O. continues to have confidence in China’s capacity to control the outbreak.”
The declaration comes now, he said, because of fears that the coronavirus may reach countries with weak health care systems, where it could run amok, potentially infecting millions of people and killing thousands.The declaration comes now, he said, because of fears that the coronavirus may reach countries with weak health care systems, where it could run amok, potentially infecting millions of people and killing thousands.
Following the declaration, the State Department on Thursday night warned travelers to avoid China altogether.Following the declaration, the State Department on Thursday night warned travelers to avoid China altogether.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said that the country “is fully confident and capable of winning the battle against this epidemic.”China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said that the country “is fully confident and capable of winning the battle against this epidemic.”
In a statement on the ministry’s website, she added that China was willing to continue to work with the W.H.O. and other countries to safeguard public health.In a statement on the ministry’s website, she added that China was willing to continue to work with the W.H.O. and other countries to safeguard public health.
The W.H.O.’s declaration — officially called a “public health emergency of international concern” — does not have the force of law.The W.H.O.’s declaration — officially called a “public health emergency of international concern” — does not have the force of law.
The agency is governed by an annual convocation of the health ministers of all U.N. countries, and its role is only to offer advice. Governments then make their own decisions about how they protect themselves.The agency is governed by an annual convocation of the health ministers of all U.N. countries, and its role is only to offer advice. Governments then make their own decisions about how they protect themselves.
States of emergency are “merely guidance,” said Dr. David L. Heymann, a former W.H.O. assistant director-general who now analyzes the work of the agency’s emergency committee. Governments and even private companies “may or may not follow it.”States of emergency are “merely guidance,” said Dr. David L. Heymann, a former W.H.O. assistant director-general who now analyzes the work of the agency’s emergency committee. Governments and even private companies “may or may not follow it.”
Nonetheless, emergency declarations signal that the world’s top health advisory body thinks the situation is grave. Many scientific experts welcomed the decision.Nonetheless, emergency declarations signal that the world’s top health advisory body thinks the situation is grave. Many scientific experts welcomed the decision.
The public health emergency “allows them to further lean into the role of global leadership for governments and the private sector,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a veteran of several global health emergencies.The public health emergency “allows them to further lean into the role of global leadership for governments and the private sector,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a veteran of several global health emergencies.
The first goal, he said, should be to understand more about how the virus is spreading — whether mostly in hospitals and clinics, what ages and sexes or professions are most affected, how sick they become and what risk factors are dangerous.The first goal, he said, should be to understand more about how the virus is spreading — whether mostly in hospitals and clinics, what ages and sexes or professions are most affected, how sick they become and what risk factors are dangerous.
But Amir Attaran, a professor of law and epidemiology at the University of Ottawa and a frequent W.H.O. critic, called the declaration “inexcusably late.” The committee’s reasoning that it lacked enough scientific evidence to declare an emergency last week was “balderdash,” he added.But Amir Attaran, a professor of law and epidemiology at the University of Ottawa and a frequent W.H.O. critic, called the declaration “inexcusably late.” The committee’s reasoning that it lacked enough scientific evidence to declare an emergency last week was “balderdash,” he added.
“W.H.O. is paralyzed for the same political reasons that ruined its scientific judgment in SARS, Ebola and Zika,” he said. “Borders are closed, aircraft grounded and ships anchored as W.H.O. mutely dithers over whether or not to declare an emergency.”“W.H.O. is paralyzed for the same political reasons that ruined its scientific judgment in SARS, Ebola and Zika,” he said. “Borders are closed, aircraft grounded and ships anchored as W.H.O. mutely dithers over whether or not to declare an emergency.”
“Events have comprehensively overtaken them, proving their uselessness yet again,” he added.“Events have comprehensively overtaken them, proving their uselessness yet again,” he added.
Declaring emergencies is always a hard decision, Dr. Tedros said on Wednesday. Border closings and flight cancellations may cause hardships for millions of healthy people near the epicenter, and enormous economic disruption.Declaring emergencies is always a hard decision, Dr. Tedros said on Wednesday. Border closings and flight cancellations may cause hardships for millions of healthy people near the epicenter, and enormous economic disruption.
In the worst cases, supplies of food and medicine can run short and panic can spread, threatening to do more damage than the disease.In the worst cases, supplies of food and medicine can run short and panic can spread, threatening to do more damage than the disease.
Experts at the W.H.O. have lavishly and repeatedly praised China’s response as remarkably aggressive.Experts at the W.H.O. have lavishly and repeatedly praised China’s response as remarkably aggressive.
The country is building two hospitals, in just two weeks, to house coronavirus patients. Chinese scientists deposited the genetic signature of the coronavirus in public databases, greatly speeding the development of diagnostic tests and, potentially, vaccines.The country is building two hospitals, in just two weeks, to house coronavirus patients. Chinese scientists deposited the genetic signature of the coronavirus in public databases, greatly speeding the development of diagnostic tests and, potentially, vaccines.
Chinese authorities cordoned off the major cities at the outbreak’s epicenter, Hubei Province, stranding more than 50 million people at the height of the Lunar New Year holidays — a measure that few other countries could have undertaken.Chinese authorities cordoned off the major cities at the outbreak’s epicenter, Hubei Province, stranding more than 50 million people at the height of the Lunar New Year holidays — a measure that few other countries could have undertaken.
Whether that massive cordon will prove effective remains to be seen. Five million people were able to leave Wuhan, the city where the outbreak began, before its train and bus stations and airports were closed, the mayor said. There were soon outbreaks across the country.Whether that massive cordon will prove effective remains to be seen. Five million people were able to leave Wuhan, the city where the outbreak began, before its train and bus stations and airports were closed, the mayor said. There were soon outbreaks across the country.
Dr. Tedros praised the Chinese government, saying it “is setting a new standard for outbreak response.” Other countries should be grateful that only 98 of the nearly 10,000 cases confirmed so far have occurred outside China’s borders, he said.Dr. Tedros praised the Chinese government, saying it “is setting a new standard for outbreak response.” Other countries should be grateful that only 98 of the nearly 10,000 cases confirmed so far have occurred outside China’s borders, he said.
Despite the emergency declaration, and despite the State Department’s urging Americans to stay away from China, the W.H.O. opposes restrictions on travel to China or on trade with it.Despite the emergency declaration, and despite the State Department’s urging Americans to stay away from China, the W.H.O. opposes restrictions on travel to China or on trade with it.
Measures the agency considers unwarranted include border closures, visa restrictions and the quarantining of apparently healthy visitors from the affected regions, said the chairman of the agency’s emergency committee, Dr. Didier Houssin, an adviser to France’s national health security agency.Measures the agency considers unwarranted include border closures, visa restrictions and the quarantining of apparently healthy visitors from the affected regions, said the chairman of the agency’s emergency committee, Dr. Didier Houssin, an adviser to France’s national health security agency.
Many such measures have already been taken against China by other countries, and Dr. Houssin said the W.H.O. would question the scientific rationales behind them.Many such measures have already been taken against China by other countries, and Dr. Houssin said the W.H.O. would question the scientific rationales behind them.
Neither he nor Dr. Tedros questioned the decision by the United States and other countries to evacuate their citizens from China, and they said the cancellation of flights by airlines was justified if the real reason was that they had no passengers.Neither he nor Dr. Tedros questioned the decision by the United States and other countries to evacuate their citizens from China, and they said the cancellation of flights by airlines was justified if the real reason was that they had no passengers.
Dr. Tedros, who met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, said he was struck by how much Mr. Xi knew about the outbreak and by the fact that Ma Xiaowei, director of China’s National Health Commission, was on the ground in Wuhan leading the response.Dr. Tedros, who met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, said he was struck by how much Mr. Xi knew about the outbreak and by the fact that Ma Xiaowei, director of China’s National Health Commission, was on the ground in Wuhan leading the response.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
That is not say there haven’t been missteps. The W.H.O. last week described its risk assessment for the outbreak as “moderate,” when it should have said “high.” The error was corrected in a footnote to the agency’s report; Dr. Tedros described it on Twitter as a “human error.”That is not say there haven’t been missteps. The W.H.O. last week described its risk assessment for the outbreak as “moderate,” when it should have said “high.” The error was corrected in a footnote to the agency’s report; Dr. Tedros described it on Twitter as a “human error.”
Experts in the United States have complained of spotty epidemiological information from China.Experts in the United States have complained of spotty epidemiological information from China.
Also, the W.H.O. cannot share information with Taiwan, which now has eight coronavirus patients, because Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations.Also, the W.H.O. cannot share information with Taiwan, which now has eight coronavirus patients, because Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations.
The agency “doesn’t want to upset its major stakeholders,” said Charles Clift, a senior consulting fellow at the Chatham House, an international affairs research group in London. “China carries the political clout that other countries don’t.”The agency “doesn’t want to upset its major stakeholders,” said Charles Clift, a senior consulting fellow at the Chatham House, an international affairs research group in London. “China carries the political clout that other countries don’t.”
And the outbreak seems to accelerating, along with its consequences. China said on Friday that another 43 people had died from the disease, bringing the total to 213. No deaths have yet occurred outside China.And the outbreak seems to accelerating, along with its consequences. China said on Friday that another 43 people had died from the disease, bringing the total to 213. No deaths have yet occurred outside China.
On Thursday, Russia closed much of its 2,600-mile border with China and stopped all train service between the countries, except for a regular train between Moscow and Beijing. Some airlines, including British Airways, have stopped flying there; others are greatly reducing their service.On Thursday, Russia closed much of its 2,600-mile border with China and stopped all train service between the countries, except for a regular train between Moscow and Beijing. Some airlines, including British Airways, have stopped flying there; others are greatly reducing their service.
Within China, some medical experts have questioned their country’s response, arguing that local officials should have imposed stricter travel restrictions before the virus spilled out of Wuhan. The country has now confirmed cases in every province and region.Within China, some medical experts have questioned their country’s response, arguing that local officials should have imposed stricter travel restrictions before the virus spilled out of Wuhan. The country has now confirmed cases in every province and region.
Residents have complained that local authorities kept mum about the outbreak’s severity — initially insisting that there was no evidence of person-to-person transmission outside Wuhan — but admitted the truth after press reports in Hong Kong.Residents have complained that local authorities kept mum about the outbreak’s severity — initially insisting that there was no evidence of person-to-person transmission outside Wuhan — but admitted the truth after press reports in Hong Kong.
As the dimensions of the outbreak became clear, the mayor of Wuhan on Monday offered to resign.As the dimensions of the outbreak became clear, the mayor of Wuhan on Monday offered to resign.
A W.H.O. delegation was allowed to visit Wuhan for just one day. Dr. Gauden Galea, the organization’s representative in Beijing, said the visit was not intended “to pass judgment.”A W.H.O. delegation was allowed to visit Wuhan for just one day. Dr. Gauden Galea, the organization’s representative in Beijing, said the visit was not intended “to pass judgment.”
“Everything is being done with a sense of intensity, and to our assessment, good practice,” he added. “I don’t want to be an apologist. You have to understand the large scale and the comprehensiveness of the operation.”“Everything is being done with a sense of intensity, and to our assessment, good practice,” he added. “I don’t want to be an apologist. You have to understand the large scale and the comprehensiveness of the operation.”
Following the trip, China agreed to permit international experts coordinated by the W.H.O. into the country to work with Chinese scientists on containing the epidemic. The C.D.C. is assembling a team to join them.Following the trip, China agreed to permit international experts coordinated by the W.H.O. into the country to work with Chinese scientists on containing the epidemic. The C.D.C. is assembling a team to join them.
The W.H.O. has made just five emergency declarations since its power to do so was established in 2005: for the pandemic influenza in 2009; a polio resurgence in 2014; the Ebola epidemic in West Africa that year; the Zika virus outbreak in 2016; and an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year.The W.H.O. has made just five emergency declarations since its power to do so was established in 2005: for the pandemic influenza in 2009; a polio resurgence in 2014; the Ebola epidemic in West Africa that year; the Zika virus outbreak in 2016; and an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year.
Dr. Peter Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and one of the discoverers of the Ebola virus and the presence of AIDS in Africa, agreed with the W.H.O.’s emergency declaration but felt the process was flawed.Dr. Peter Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and one of the discoverers of the Ebola virus and the presence of AIDS in Africa, agreed with the W.H.O.’s emergency declaration but felt the process was flawed.
“It is time for the W.H.O. to change its all-or-nothing, binary approach” to declaring an emergency, Dr. Piot said. “In every emergency, there is a spectrum of alert levels.”“It is time for the W.H.O. to change its all-or-nothing, binary approach” to declaring an emergency, Dr. Piot said. “In every emergency, there is a spectrum of alert levels.”
Dr. Tedros expressed the same frustration at a news conference on Wednesday, suggesting that the agency might need to switch to a graduated “green-yellow-red" system.Dr. Tedros expressed the same frustration at a news conference on Wednesday, suggesting that the agency might need to switch to a graduated “green-yellow-red" system.
Austin Ramzy contributed reporting from Hong Kong, and Chris Horton from Taipei. Elsie Chen contributed research.Austin Ramzy contributed reporting from Hong Kong, and Chris Horton from Taipei. Elsie Chen contributed research.