Saturday March 7, 2020 ~ VICTORIA, BC
West Shore Voice News
As of early morning March 7, 2020 (Pacific Time), there were 101,927 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the virus is now in 93 countries, with a growing percentage of confirmed cases outside of China — presently 80,813 in China (79.3%) compared to 21,110 (20.7%) in other parts of the world, which shows a shifting of percentage beyond the Chinese epicentre.
In a statement today, WHO is urging all countries to prepare for the potential arrival of COVID-19 by readying emergency response systems; increasing capacity to detect and care for patients; ensuring hospitals have the space, supplies and necessary personnel; and developing life-saving medical interventions.
“China and other countries are demonstrating that spread of the virus can be slowed and impact reduced through the use of universally applicable actions, such as working across society to identify people who are sick, bringing them to care, following up on contacts, preparing hospitals and clinics to manage a surge in patients, and training health workers,” said WHO in a statement today March 7, 2020.
“Every effort to contain the virus and slow the spread saves lives. These efforts give health systems and all of society much needed time to prepare, and researchers more time to identify effective treatments and develop vaccines,” it was further stated by WHO.
Scientists and public health officials are observing that the virus is most easily spread in large droplets by way of direct personal contact, but the virus can also live on surfaces for a number of hours (may vary depending on the surface — i.e. metal, plastic, cardboard, cloth, etc.) and therefore community spread is both possible and happening.
The Risk Assessment level as assigned by WHO is Very High, while in Canada the level is still considered Low but with a concentrated effort to addressing a scenario that health officials expect will get worse.
As of March 7, COVID-19 has now claimed 3,486 lives (3,073 deaths in China, and 413 outside China).
WHO and public health officials worldwide expect further community spread. In BC there are plans for four months of intense attention to COVID-19.
In WHO stats on March 7, the list shows 51 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada (no deaths) and 213 cases in the USA (11 deaths).
“We must stop, contain, control, delay and reduce the impact of this virus at every opportunity. Every person has the capacity to contribute, to protect themselves, to protect others, whether in the home, the community, the healthcare system, the workplace or the transport system,” says WHO in their report today.
WHO asks that leaders at all levels and in all walks of life step forward to bring about that commitment across society.
WHO says it will continue to work with all countries, their partners and expert networks to coordinate the international response, develop guidance, distribute supplies, share knowledge and provide people with the information they need to protect themselves and others.
====== LINKS:
==== BC CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL | BC HEALTH:
For recommendations on
protecting yourself and your community, visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)
For more information and latest updates on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit the centre’s website: http://www.bccdc.ca/
For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BG_Coronavirus_Recommendations.pdf
==== ROLE OF MEDIA: The WHO articulated in a report on February 26 about the role of media: “Yours is a critical role. This is the time for accurate reporting from official sources. Your role in an outbreak is not simply to chase the story; it is to perform a public service. Your actions are public health actions in every respect. You play a significant part in protecting the health and well-being of your fellow citizens,” it was stated by Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. | Editorial by West Shore Voice News on communications effectiveness during the COVID-19 Pandemic (see page 2 in the February 28 to March 2, 2020 weekend digest of West Shore Voice News)
==== WILL YOU TRAVEL?: “British Columbians with upcoming travel plans should continue to monitor the Government of Canada travel site for the latest travel advisories: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/210