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WHO Welcomes China's Coronavirus Quarantine

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - The World Health Organization is welcoming China's decision to
   temporarily suspend all transportation in and out of the city of Wuhan,
   the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.

   WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday placing
   the Chinese city of 11 million under virtual quarantine was a strong
   measure but appropriate measure based on the threats posed by the new
   coronavirus.

   "We stressed to them (China) that by having a strong action, not only
   they will control the outbreak in their country, but they will also
   minimize the chances of this outbreak spreading internationally," he
   said.

   More than 500 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed, with at least
   17 deaths. Most of the cases and deaths have occurred within China, but
   the disease has spread internationally to other countries; namely
   Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States.

   The spread has increased pressure upon the Chinese authorities to take
   more vigorous action to curb the outbreak.

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