The total number of cases in India has now risen to 73. Kerala is the worst hit state with 17 cases, we have learnt two of these patients are in critical condition.

Coronavirus Outbreak : Total number of cases in India reaches 73

Shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) called the coronavirus outbreak a "pandemic", US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that his country has suspended all travel from Europe for 30 days due to the deadly virus.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Washington, D.C declares emergency

The world health organisation has now categorised the novel coronavirus as a pandemic. The Covid-19 virus was till now categorised as an epidemic.

While the WHO chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the change of categorisation doesn't change the body's assessment of the threat posed by the virus, WION will explain to you what is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic. And how it could change the way the world tackles the deadly virus.

The differences between an epidemic and pandemic is based on the geographic area and the number of people under its influence.

What is a epidemic?

Simply put, when any disease spreads in a region and infects its residents it is categorised as an epidemic.

The world health organisation defines an epidemic as — the occurrence in a community or region of cases of illness. Clearly above normal expectancy.&nbsp;

An epidemic is a term used in a regional context.

Going by this definition, the coronavirus outbreak is an epidemic in several nations. Like the worst affected nations of China, Italy and South Korea.

What is a pandemic?

It is an elevation to the epidemic. As per the definition given by ''a dictionary of epidemiology'' which is the standard reference for epidemiologists.

A pandemic is — '' an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people''.&nbsp;

To put it in perspective ''pandemic'' is a term used in a global sense. When a disease has a worldwide presence.

While a ''pandemic'' sounds much scarier than epidemic it is important to remember that the difference is based on the geographic extent and the number of patients infected.

It's important to keep in mind that in theory categorisation as a pandemic does not talk about the seriousness of diseases.

Practically and with the situation on the ground. An epidemic could be much more deadly than a pandemic.

The coronavirus, even though a pandemic now. Remains a virus with a very less death rate worldwide.

World health organisation director-general has urged people to remain calm and also said that this categorisation should not result in the spread of unreasonable fear.

The world health organisation has now categorised the novel coronavirus as a pandemic. The Covid-19 virus was till now categorised as an epidemic. While the WHO chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the change of categorisation doesn't change the body's assessment of the threat posed by the virus, WION will explain to you what is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic.

The world health organisation has now categorised the novel coronavirus as a pandemic. The Covid-19 virus was till now categorised as an epidemic. While the WHO chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the change of categorisation doesn't change the body's assessment of the threat posed by the virus, WION will explain to you what is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic. And how it could change the way the world tackles the deadly virus. The differences between an epidemic and pandemic is based on the geographic area and the number of people under its influence. What is a epidemic? Simply put, when any disease spreads in a region and infects its residents it is categorised as an epidemic. The world health organisation defines an epidemic as — the occurrence in a community or region of cases of illness. Clearly above normal expectancy. An epidemic is a term used in a regional context. Going by this definition, the coronavirus outbreak is an epidemic in several nations. Like the worst affected nations of China, Italy and South Korea. What is a pandemic? It is an elevation to the epidemic. As per the definition given by ''a dictionary of epidemiology'' which is the standard reference for epidemiologists. A pandemic is — '' an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people''. To put it in perspective ''pandemic'' is a term used in a global sense. When a disease has a worldwide presence. While a ''pandemic'' sounds much scarier than epidemic it is important to remember that the difference is based on the geographic extent and the number of patients infected. It's important to keep in mind that in theory categorisation as a pandemic does not talk about the seriousness of diseases. Practically and with the situation on the ground. An epidemic could be much more deadly than a pandemic. The coronavirus, even though a pandemic now. Remains a virus with a very less death rate worldwide. World health organisation director-general has urged people to remain calm and also said that this categorisation should not result in the spread of unreasonable fear.

Coronavirus: What is the difference between epidemic and pandemic?

The World Health Organization warned that the new coronavirus which has peaked in China could still become a pandemic. The alert comes after the victims of the virulent strain have been discovered in countries the world over.

Grim news of deaths and outbreaks in the Middle East, Europe and Asia has sent financial markets spiralling down, though the Chinese epicentre of Wuhan seems to be stabilising with the death toll at its lowest for three straight weeks.

But the situation is worsening in other countries, with more than 2,000 cases and 30 deaths reported abroad, prompting a raft of restrictions on travellers from infected nations. The situation has worsened in other nations with more than 2,000 people infected and 30 reported deaths, following which almost every nation put up stringent restrictions on travellers from infected countries.

Iran, Italy and South Korea witnessed a drastic increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths while numerous nations in the Middle East are reporting their first case of the novel coronavirus. WHO Chief commended China's drastic quarantine measures in several cities insisting that the virus could still be contained and thanking the PRC for their aid in preventing an even bigger spread.

"For the moment we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus and we are not witnessing large-scale deaths," Tedros told reporters in Geneva. However, he added that "we should do everything we can to prepare for a potential pandemic."

South Korean hotspot

Registering the largest number of nCoV cases outside China is the nation of South Korea, which has reported 60 more infections and another death as of Tuesday, pulling its death toll to 8 and total number of infected to 900. The epicentre of South Korea's outbreak is reportedly around a religious sect in Daegu, the country's fourth-largest city.

South Korea remains on its highest "red" alert and has extended school holidays to aid the containment effort, requesting around 2.5 million people of Daegu to remain indoors. Meanwhile, the CDC has raised its caution level to warn the American people against "nonessential travel to South Korea."

With seven reported deaths and over 200 cases, Italy has been forced to lock down 11 towns and schedule upcoming football matches in its Serie A and the Europa League to be played behind closed doors. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has said that residents could face weeks of lockdown with law enforcement officials manning checkpoints to enforce a blockade.

Iranian paranoia

Officially known as COVID-19, the disease has spread to Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman and other countries. Iran reported 12 deaths, making this the highest number of people the virus has killed outside of China.&nbsp;

Reports from a semi-official news agency named ILNA highlight concerns that the situation might be worse than is officially acknowledged. The agency quoted one local lawmaker in the hard-hit religious centre of Qom who has reason to believe that 50 people died from COVID-19.

The statements in the report have been denied by the Iranian government, which has pledged transparency. Head of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, Michael Ryan stated that a team from the UN agency would be arriving in Iran on Tuesday.&nbsp;

However, he advised against drawing any conclusions about the mortality rate, deducing that Iran may only be facing severe cases as the epidemic was still at an early stage in the country.&nbsp;

Chinese origins

508 new cases were reported in China and only 9 were at the epicentre in central Hubei province. Though it is a visible increase from 409 cases on Monday, the overall number of new infections being reported has decreased, when compared to those of last week. China's death toll reached 2,663 on Tuesday after 71 more people died. The epidemic peaked in China between January 23 and February 2, per WHO Chief Tedros.&nbsp;

56 million people in Hubei and its capital have been quarantined by China in the last month, while other regions have enacted travel restraints and measures to keep millions more indoors. Global markets plunged on Monday with Wall Street off 3.6 per cent, reflecting the global anxiety.

The World Health Organization warned that the new coronavirus which has peaked in China could still become a pandemic. The alert comes after the victims of the virulent strain have been discovered in countries the world over.

The World Health Organization warned that the new coronavirus which has peaked in China could still become a pandemic. The alert comes after the victims of the virulent strain have been discovered in countries the world over. Grim news of deaths and outbreaks in the Middle East, Europe and Asia has sent financial markets spiralling down, though the Chinese epicentre of Wuhan seems to be stabilising with the death toll at its lowest for three straight weeks. But the situation is worsening in other countries, with more than 2,000 cases and 30 deaths reported abroad, prompting a raft of restrictions on travellers from infected nations. The situation has worsened in other nations with more than 2,000 people infected and 30 reported deaths, following which almost every nation put up stringent restrictions on travellers from infected countries. Iran, Italy and South Korea witnessed a drastic increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths while numerous nations in the Middle East are reporting their first case of the novel coronavirus. WHO Chief commended China's drastic quarantine measures in several cities insisting that the virus could still be contained and thanking the PRC for their aid in preventing an even bigger spread. "For the moment we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus and we are not witnessing large-scale deaths," Tedros told reporters in Geneva. However, he added that "we should do everything we can to prepare for a potential pandemic." South Korean hotspot Registering the largest number of nCoV cases outside China is the nation of South Korea, which has reported 60 more infections and another death as of Tuesday, pulling its death toll to 8 and total number of infected to 900. The epicentre of South Korea's outbreak is reportedly around a religious sect in Daegu, the country's fourth-largest city. South Korea remains on its highest "red" alert and has extended school holidays to aid the containment effort, requesting around 2.5 million people of Daegu to remain indoors. Meanwhile, the CDC has raised its caution level to warn the American people against "nonessential travel to South Korea." With seven reported deaths and over 200 cases, Italy has been forced to lock down 11 towns and schedule upcoming football matches in its Serie A and the Europa League to be played behind closed doors. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has said that residents could face weeks of lockdown with law enforcement officials manning checkpoints to enforce a blockade. Iranian paranoia Officially known as COVID-19, the disease has spread to Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman and other countries. Iran reported 12 deaths, making this the highest number of people the virus has killed outside of China. Reports from a semi-official news agency named ILNA highlight concerns that the situation might be worse than is officially acknowledged. The agency quoted one local lawmaker in the hard-hit religious centre of Qom who has reason to believe that 50 people died from COVID-19. The statements in the report have been denied by the Iranian government, which has pledged transparency. Head of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, Michael Ryan stated that a team from the UN agency would be arriving in Iran on Tuesday. However, he advised against drawing any conclusions about the mortality rate, deducing that Iran may only be facing severe cases as the epidemic was still at an early stage in the country. Chinese origins 508 new cases were reported in China and only 9 were at the epicentre in central Hubei province. Though it is a visible increase from 409 cases on Monday, the overall number of new infections being reported has decreased, when compared to those of last week. China's death toll reached 2,663 on Tuesday after 71 more people died. The epidemic peaked in China between January 23 and February 2, per WHO Chief Tedros. 56 million people in Hubei and its capital have been quarantined by China in the last month, while other regions have enacted travel restraints and measures to keep millions more indoors. Global markets plunged on Monday with Wall Street off 3.6 per cent, reflecting the global anxiety.

China, South Korea, Iran worst-hit from COVID-19, WHO warns of pandemic

The world's third largest economy, Japan is facing its worst economic slump in over five years, with new factors like coronavirus contributing to its slowdown.

Recently, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by 6.3 per cent during October-December. In fact, this is the biggest GDP shrinkage since the second quarter of 2014.

Also read: <a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-spreads-on-ship-in-japan-american-passengers-set-to-disembark-280966" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-spreads-on-ship-in-japan-american-passengers-set-to-disembark-280966&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjR7fnlk9jnAhXhlOAKHVw3D2gQFjAAegQIABAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw26vAuR60RxpAbHbv5kaX43" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-spreads-on-ship-in-japan-american-passengers-set-to-disembark-280966" target="_blank">Virus spreads on ship in Japan</a>

Private consumption sank by 2.9 per cent while capital expenditure fell by 3.7 per cent.

The Japanese economy shrunk at its fastest rate in over five years. Additionally, factors like sales tax hike influenced consumers, further limiting business spending.

Recent environmental disasters also affected private consumption. Japan is highly susceptible to natural disasters, with tsunami warnings coming up every few days.

To make the situation worse, coronavirus risks have worsened Japan's growth forecast.

The outbreak has hit the tourism industry and led to a decline in production.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-economy-and-the-coronavirus-outbreak-278939/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Japan which is facing the risk of a recession is hoping to contain the outbreak before the Tokyo Olympics which will start in July this year.

Just recently, Typhoon Hagibis ravaged the country and caused huge losses. As soon as the recovery was on track, coronavirus fears have slowed down the global flow of goods and services.

In case Japan's economy continues to shrink in the first quarter of 2020, they will officially fall into recession, their first major dip since 2015.

Also read: <a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-another-70-people-test-positive-for-coronavirus-on-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-in-japan-280913" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-another-70-people-test-positive-for-coronavirus-on-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-in-japan-280913&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiGvsnwk9jnAhULUt8KHRe_Db0QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0R2qa5LQMZ67_w-xxvhJsl" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-another-70-people-test-positive-for-coronavirus-on-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-in-japan-280913" target="_blank">Another 70 people test positive for coronavirus</a>

Japan is the hardest hit by coronavirus trade limitations as China is its largest trading partner.

The country has the largest non-Chinese cases of coronavirus, standing at 400, with its first virus-induced death recorded last week.

Japan experienced a similar slowdown in 2011, after an earthquake triggered a tsunami which caused a nuclear meltdown.

The world's third largest economy, Japan is facing its worst economic slump in over five years, with new factors like coronavirus contributing to its slowdown. Recently, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by 6.

The world's third largest economy, Japan is facing its worst economic slump in over five years, with new factors like coronavirus contributing to its slowdown. Recently, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by 6.3 per cent during October-December. In fact, this is the biggest GDP shrinkage since the second quarter of 2014. Also read: Virus spreads on ship in Japan Private consumption sank by 2.9 per cent while capital expenditure fell by 3.7 per cent. The Japanese economy shrunk at its fastest rate in over five years. Additionally, factors like sales tax hike influenced consumers, further limiting business spending. Recent environmental disasters also affected private consumption. Japan is highly susceptible to natural disasters, with tsunami warnings coming up every few days. To make the situation worse, coronavirus risks have worsened Japan's growth forecast. The outbreak has hit the tourism industry and led to a decline in production. However, Japan which is facing the risk of a recession is hoping to contain the outbreak before the Tokyo Olympics which will start in July this year. Just recently, Typhoon Hagibis ravaged the country and caused huge losses. As soon as the recovery was on track, coronavirus fears have slowed down the global flow of goods and services. In case Japan's economy continues to shrink in the first quarter of 2020, they will officially fall into recession, their first major dip since 2015. Also read: Another 70 people test positive for coronavirus Japan is the hardest hit by coronavirus trade limitations as China is its largest trading partner. The country has the largest non-Chinese cases of coronavirus, standing at 400, with its first virus-induced death recorded last week. Japan experienced a similar slowdown in 2011, after an earthquake triggered a tsunami which caused a nuclear meltdown.

Japan records slowest economy in over five years as coronavirus halts trade with its biggest partner, China

Is China's belt and road initiative exporting the Wuhan virus? With Chinese workers now returning to their offices - there is a strong chance that they could take the coronavirus to more cities. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how China's infrastructure projects can make this outbreak worse in this WION Edit.

WION Edit: Wuhan Virus, Is this a belt and road Pandemic?

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates warned that the world is heading toward a pandemic and the Trump administration is not doing anything substantial to save the nation or the world from it.&nbsp;

Gates this week, in an interview to a leading American publication, noted that he has been raising the issue with the US President ever since he was elected to power.

Gates noted having repeatedly raised the issue and emphasizing the importance of US funding for advanced healthcare research.

Gates repeated efforts prompted Donald Trump to welcome him to reach out to various top healthcare officials and institutes in the country including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), among others.&nbsp;

After numerous meetings, Gates still thought that there was the need to push the envelope further and initiate more work on developing new therapeutics and drugs.&nbsp;

Time and again, Bill and Melinda Gates have talked about a global pandemic in the offing, something so deadly that can be the greatest threat to humanity.&nbsp;

In the wake of antibiotic resistance and a constant birth of new pathogens, Gates stressed the need for the Trump administration to identify the healthcare arsenal that the country sits on with the availability of scientific expertise and premier institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).&nbsp;

In the wake of antibiotic resistance and a constant birth of new pathogens, Gates stressed the need for the Trump administration to identify the healthcare arsenal that the country sits

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates warned that the world is heading toward a pandemic and the Trump administration is not doing anything substantial to save the nation or the world from it. Gates this week, in an interview to a leading American publication, noted that he has been raising the issue with the US President ever since he was elected to power. Gates noted having repeatedly raised the issue and emphasizing the importance of US funding for advanced healthcare research. Gates repeated efforts prompted Donald Trump to welcome him to reach out to various top healthcare officials and institutes in the country including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), among others. After numerous meetings, Gates still thought that there was the need to push the envelope further and initiate more work on developing new therapeutics and drugs. Time and again, Bill and Melinda Gates have talked about a global pandemic in the offing, something so deadly that can be the greatest threat to humanity. In the wake of antibiotic resistance and a constant birth of new pathogens, Gates stressed the need for the Trump administration to identify the healthcare arsenal that the country sits on with the availability of scientific expertise and premier institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Bill Gates wants Trump administration to brace for global pandemic

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