We have heard warnings of a pandemic before, but unfortunately, we are hopelessly unprepared for such a crisis.

Outbreaks like the coronavirus have a way of sneaking up on us. The SARS epidemic came out of nowhere in 2002.

It appeared in China and spread to 17 countries. More than eight thousand people were infected, almost 800 died.

The H1N1 outbreak received the same reaction, it came out of Mexico and spread to 74 countries. Almost 30 thousand people were infected by Ebola in 2014, more than 11 thousand people died.

And now, the world is dealing with the Wuhan virus - a different disease, but the pattern remains the same. 
 
WATCH:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-is-the-world-prepared-for-a-pandemic-279150/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The 21st century needs a new global system to tackle pandemics because we live in an interconnected world - where megacities are connected by airlines, and world economies are over-dependent on interconnected global supply chains.

The modern age has opened a highway for diseases to travel faster. The current global health system is not equipped to handle such an outbreak.&nbsp;

Borders or walls can't stop the diseases from coming in and no country is fully prepared to deal with a pandemic like situation.

The World Health Organisation tracks the global preparedness - a report last year tired to evaluate what would happen if a pandemic like the Spanish flu of 1918 would happen again. The Spanish flu is one of the deadliest epidemics in human history.

It infected 500 million people around the world. The death toll, and this is an estimate, was 50 million. What would happen if we have a situation like the Spanish flu on our hands again?&nbsp;

Officials from the WHO found that the disease would spread around the world in less than 36 hours, and more than 50 million people would die.

The economic outbreak of such a pandemic will be 500 billion dollars. Why would a pandemic be so dangerous in the 21st century?

Because many countries have weak health systems, they do not have the ability to deal with the outbreak. The drugs to fight it, or the financial responses to mounting an effective response.

The Coronavirus outbreak is a wake-up call, it doesn't take much to step up our defences against pandemics in monetary terms.

According to the WHO, an investment of one or two dollars per person, per year would be enough to reach an acceptable level of preparedness on a global scale.&nbsp;

Countries should not hold back investment in health care. This money needs to go towards developing health systems at the local and the regional levels.

They must be equipped to identify and detect disease outbreaks early and funding must be directed towards developing universal detection systems.

The world is close to developing a universal flu vaccine - something that works against all forms of influenza.

World leaders must back research on this front, bring in a team of best minds, and empower the team with funding and resources to make it happen.

Pandemics are one of the greatest threats to global stability and security, it's time to treat them very seriously.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

We have heard warnings of a pandemic before, but unfortunately, we are hopelessly unprepared for such a crisis. Outbreaks like the coronavirus have a way of sneaking up on us.

We have heard warnings of a pandemic before, but unfortunately, we are hopelessly unprepared for such a crisis. Outbreaks like the coronavirus have a way of sneaking up on us. The SARS epidemic came out of nowhere in 2002. It appeared in China and spread to 17 countries. More than eight thousand people were infected, almost 800 died. The H1N1 outbreak received the same reaction, it came out of Mexico and spread to 74 countries. Almost 30 thousand people were infected by Ebola in 2014, more than 11 thousand people died. And now, the world is dealing with the Wuhan virus - a different disease, but the pattern remains the same. WATCH: × The 21st century needs a new global system to tackle pandemics because we live in an interconnected world - where megacities are connected by airlines, and world economies are over-dependent on interconnected global supply chains. The modern age has opened a highway for diseases to travel faster. The current global health system is not equipped to handle such an outbreak. Borders or walls can't stop the diseases from coming in and no country is fully prepared to deal with a pandemic like situation. The World Health Organisation tracks the global preparedness - a report last year tired to evaluate what would happen if a pandemic like the Spanish flu of 1918 would happen again. The Spanish flu is one of the deadliest epidemics in human history. It infected 500 million people around the world. The death toll, and this is an estimate, was 50 million. What would happen if we have a situation like the Spanish flu on our hands again? Officials from the WHO found that the disease would spread around the world in less than 36 hours, and more than 50 million people would die. The economic outbreak of such a pandemic will be 500 billion dollars. Why would a pandemic be so dangerous in the 21st century? Because many countries have weak health systems, they do not have the ability to deal with the outbreak. The drugs to fight it, or the financial responses to mounting an effective response. The Coronavirus outbreak is a wake-up call, it doesn't take much to step up our defences against pandemics in monetary terms. According to the WHO, an investment of one or two dollars per person, per year would be enough to reach an acceptable level of preparedness on a global scale. Countries should not hold back investment in health care. This money needs to go towards developing health systems at the local and the regional levels. They must be equipped to identify and detect disease outbreaks early and funding must be directed towards developing universal detection systems. The world is close to developing a universal flu vaccine - something that works against all forms of influenza. World leaders must back research on this front, bring in a team of best minds, and empower the team with funding and resources to make it happen. Pandemics are one of the greatest threats to global stability and security, it's time to treat them very seriously. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Is the world prepared for a pandemic?

Did China underestimate the extent of the Wuhan virus outbreak? Beijing's response is facing tough questions. So, China has launched a publicity drive to counter the criticism.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus, China counters criticism with propaganda

The economic shockwaves of the coronavirus could eclipse the 2003 Sars outbreak. China's economy is already witnessing disruptions. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how this situation could spill across the global economy.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus, The economic cost of the outbreak

WION is the only Indian news network to bring you global coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.

Gravitas: Ground report, Tracking the Wuhan virus outbreak

With more than 400 people dead, China's deadly coronavirus is spreading fast, but misinformation on the outbreak is spreading faster. We live in the digital age and misinformation can go viral in no time, proving to be fatal.&nbsp;

It's not the first time that biological weapons have been used as an argument to justify outbreaks. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, a think tank had published this analysis, where the author linked the SARS to China's biological warfare programme. Ultimately this claim was found to be incorrect.

This is happening again, and thanks to social media, misinformation is travelling even faster. World bodies like the WHO have jumped in, they are using their own social media presence to debunk the falsehoods.

Several people tweeted that Coronavirus was moved from Canada to China by a scientist. The misleading claim was retweeted by over twelve thousand people. 
 
WATCH: Wuhan Virus and Misinformation 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-wuhan-virus-and-misinformation-278599/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It's difficult to measure the damage misinformation is doing to society, but it's easy to prove that unproven claims are travelling faster than facts.&nbsp;

Social media companies are now removing any posts and claims - that are not backed by science.

But, considering the volume of information that's out there, they might not be able to respond quickly enough. And hence, it's important that people do not believe everything they see online.

Every information received on social media or WhatsApp concerning the outbreak must be crosschecked. People should rely on verified sources of information, like the WHO or verified and credible media outlets.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

With more than 400 people dead, China's deadly coronavirus is spreading fast, but misinformation on the outbreak is spreading faster. We live in the digital age and misinformation can go viral in no time, proving to be fatal.

With more than 400 people dead, China's deadly coronavirus is spreading fast, but misinformation on the outbreak is spreading faster. We live in the digital age and misinformation can go viral in no time, proving to be fatal. It's not the first time that biological weapons have been used as an argument to justify outbreaks. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, a think tank had published this analysis, where the author linked the SARS to China's biological warfare programme. Ultimately this claim was found to be incorrect. This is happening again, and thanks to social media, misinformation is travelling even faster. World bodies like the WHO have jumped in, they are using their own social media presence to debunk the falsehoods. Several people tweeted that Coronavirus was moved from Canada to China by a scientist. The misleading claim was retweeted by over twelve thousand people. WATCH: Wuhan Virus and Misinformation × It's difficult to measure the damage misinformation is doing to society, but it's easy to prove that unproven claims are travelling faster than facts. Social media companies are now removing any posts and claims - that are not backed by science. But, considering the volume of information that's out there, they might not be able to respond quickly enough. And hence, it's important that people do not believe everything they see online. Every information received on social media or WhatsApp concerning the outbreak must be crosschecked. People should rely on verified sources of information, like the WHO or verified and credible media outlets. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: As coronavirus spreads, so does misinformation

Is China's coronavirus a biological weapon? Was the virus made in a laboratory? Did Chinese 'spies' smuggle out the virus from Canada? WION's Palki Sharma fact checks some of the theories around the coronavirus outbreak.

Gravitas: Is the coronavirus a biological weapon?

China's deadly coronavirus has taken more than 400 lives - and the virus is spreading fast. But misinformation is spreading faster. On WION Edit, WION's Palki Sharma assess the damage misinformation has done to the fight against this outbreak.

WION Edit: Wuhan Virus and Misinformation

Three Indians have been infected with the deadly Wuhan virus. India has stepped up checks, and cancelled visas to Chinese nationals. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the top 5 developments.

Gravitas: How is India fighting the China coronavirus

Overnight there has been a massive hike in the death toll of the deadly coronavirus. Around 425 people have lost their lives around the world and 62 new deaths were reported in China and all the casualties were reported in the Hubei province. WHO has warned all the countries dealing with the coronavirus outbreak by preparing and not by panicking. At a press briefing in Geneva, the Director of 'Global Infections' elaborated about the global collaboration of WHO and Google to narrow down all the information regarding the coronavirus, to avoid the spread of misinformation on the internet.

WION Dispatch: Coronavirus kills 425 people killed around the world, WHO ask countries to not panic

The international law on biological weapons is quite clear - it says they should not exist. But, despite the progress made by international conventions - the threat is far from over.

It's rare for all countries around the world to agree to something, but the Biological Weapons Convention is perhaps one of the few things that the world can agree on. Signed in 1972, this convention banned the development, production and stockpiling of an entire category of all forms of biological weapons.

More than 180 countries in the world are party to this convention today. Biological warfare is one of the few areas where most countries agreed to not only disallow the use but to destroy their own arsenal as well.

In 1969, the then US President, Richard Nixon, decided to eliminate America's stockpiles of biological weapons, and major powers like the UK and Russia followed suit.

India ratified the biological weapons convention in 1997 when it also declared that it possessed a stockpile of sulfur mustard. Its destruction was completed in 2009. In the 20th century, most countries gave up their biological weapons programmes. &nbsp;

However, the spectre of biological weapons is&nbsp;somehow back to haunt humanity in the 21st century. On papers, no country is openly pursuing biological weapons today. But, some recent breakthroughs in science have heightened tensions. Innovations in gene editing and synthetic biology may give birth to a new age of biological weapons. Scientific breakthroughs are exposing the gaps in the Biological Weapons Convention.

It's possible that some states could be experimenting with biological weapons, even non-state actors have tried to develop them. It is believed that 6 countries, in particular, might have an ongoing bioweapons programme - Iraq, Iran, Libya, China, Russia, and North Korea.&nbsp;

The need of the hour is for a fresh global consensus to strengthen the rules against bioweapons. And India should be a part of this conversation.&nbsp;

Growing border conflicts with Pakistan and China's advanced&nbsp;gene-editing raise&nbsp;the threat levels. Considering the close relationship between Beijing and Islamabad, New Delhi must take note of the growing global concerns over bioweapons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The international law on biological weapons is quite clear - it says they should not exist. But, despite the progress made by international conventions - the threat is far from over.

The international law on biological weapons is quite clear - it says they should not exist. But, despite the progress made by international conventions - the threat is far from over. It's rare for all countries around the world to agree to something, but the Biological Weapons Convention is perhaps one of the few things that the world can agree on. Signed in 1972, this convention banned the development, production and stockpiling of an entire category of all forms of biological weapons. More than 180 countries in the world are party to this convention today. Biological warfare is one of the few areas where most countries agreed to not only disallow the use but to destroy their own arsenal as well. In 1969, the then US President, Richard Nixon, decided to eliminate America's stockpiles of biological weapons, and major powers like the UK and Russia followed suit. India ratified the biological weapons convention in 1997 when it also declared that it possessed a stockpile of sulfur mustard. Its destruction was completed in 2009. In the 20th century, most countries gave up their biological weapons programmes. However, the spectre of biological weapons is somehow back to haunt humanity in the 21st century. On papers, no country is openly pursuing biological weapons today. But, some recent breakthroughs in science have heightened tensions. Innovations in gene editing and synthetic biology may give birth to a new age of biological weapons. Scientific breakthroughs are exposing the gaps in the Biological Weapons Convention. It's possible that some states could be experimenting with biological weapons, even non-state actors have tried to develop them. It is believed that 6 countries, in particular, might have an ongoing bioweapons programme - Iraq, Iran, Libya, China, Russia, and North Korea. The need of the hour is for a fresh global consensus to strengthen the rules against bioweapons. And India should be a part of this conversation. Growing border conflicts with Pakistan and China's advanced gene-editing raise the threat levels. Considering the close relationship between Beijing and Islamabad, New Delhi must take note of the growing global concerns over bioweapons.

Explained: Why the threat of biological warfare still looms large

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?

How is China handling the virus outbreak? Beijing has unleashed a wave of propaganda to counter criticism. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how China is trying to win the narrative war.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus, China tries to control the narrative

Is a cure to the coronavirus insight? Some doctors in Thailand say they have cracked the Wuhan virus cure. WION's Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: Are we close to finding a cure for Wuhan virus?

China is unable to contain the outbreak of the deadly Wuhan virus. More than 20 countries have reported cases of the coronavirus. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how some of the worst affected nations are trying to contain the spread of the disease.

Gravitas: How the world is fighting the Wuhan virus

China's deadly coronavirus has claimed more than 300 lives. In India, 3 citizens from Kerala have been tested positive. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how India is fighting the Wuhan virus.

Gravitas: China's deadly virus, 3 Indian citizens infected

In the Coronavirus Outbreak, Wuhan virus has been already spread across 25 countries of 4 different continents. 17,000 people have been affected and more than 300 have been killed. Watch Philippines presser on nCoV in this video.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Philippines presser on nCoV

In the Coronavirus Outbreak, Wuhan virus has been already spread across 25 countries of 4 different continents. 17,000 people have been affected and more than 300 have been killed. Did China hide on Coronavirus outbreak earlier?

Coronavirus Outbreak: Could nCoV have been controlled?

In the Coronavirus Outbreak, Wuhan virus has been already spread across 25 countries of 4 different continents. 17,000 people have been affected and more than 300 have been killed.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Wuhan virus spreads across 25 countries, 4 continents

WION Dispatch: Streets in Jiujiang resemble of a ghost town

Did China hide on Coronavirus outbreak earlier?

India on Sunday reported second case of coronavirus. The second case is also a resident from Kerala. The patient has a history of travel to China, according to a statement by the government.

India on Sunday reported second case of coronavirus. The second case is also a resident from Kerala. The patient has a history of travel to China, according to a statement by the government. The patient is stable and is being kept in isolation in the hospital where the patient`s condition is being closely monitored, ANI report said. The first confirmed case of the coronavirus in India had also been reported from Kerala on January 30, as confirmed by the Union Health Ministry.

Second confirmed case of coronavirus reported in India 

Hundreds of Pakistani students are trapped in China. But the Imran Khan government has no plans to evacuate them. As the deadly Wuhan virus spreads, Pakistani citizens are appealing for help.

Coronavirus outbreak: Pak people urged Imran govt to evacuate them from China

The continued spread of the deadly coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China, is often compared with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) epidemic of nearly two decades ago which affected more than 8,000 people in 37 countries.

Is coronavirus spreading faster than SARS?

Wuhan Virus: Pak refuses to help stranded citizens | Gravitas

The Wuhan coronavirus is almost as big as the Sars outbreak. The WHO is being accused of dragging its feet. China faces the charge of covering up the extend of the outbreak. On WION Edit, Palki S Upadhyay asks - Who's to blame for the Wuhan virus outbreak?

WION Edit: Who's to blame for coronavirus outbreak

While the world is focusing on how China plans to contain the Wuhan Virus outbreak - it is worth considering what would happen if the epidemic continues to spread. Is the world prepared to handle a major global outbreak?

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: The global picture of the outbreak

WION is the only Indian news network that is bringing you updates about the deadly virus outbreak in China - straight from its origins. In this report, WION's Palki S Upadhyay with Patrick Fok and Grace Lee get you the latest updates.

Gravitas: China's deadly virus: WION gets you a ground report

The United States warned Americans not to travel to China as the death toll from a new virus reached 213 on Friday and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency, and Britain confirmed its first two cases.

Stock markets steadied slightly after the WHO praised China's efforts to contain the virus, following a tumble the previous day over a rising toll in the world's second-biggest economy.

"Do not travel to China due to novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan," the US State Department said in a new travel advisory on its website, raising the warning for China to the same level as Afghanistan and Iraq.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-wuhan-virus-death-toll-hits-213-in-china-nearly-10000-infected-277621">Wuhan virus death toll hits 213 in China, nearly 10000 infected</a>

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told parliament his government had decided to raise its infectious disease advisory level for China, urging citizens to avoid non-urgent trips.

Japan's advisory for China's central province of Hubei, where the virus first emerged in its capital of Wuhan in December, is a level higher, advising citizens not to travel there.

China has taken "the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures", a foreign ministry spokeswoman said in response to the WHO declaration, although Beijing has not commented on the U.S. travel warning.

"We have full confidence and capability to win this fight," Hua Chunying said in a statement.

Also read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-portugal-set-to-evacuate-citizens-from-wuhan-as-coronavirus-death-toll-increases-277578">: Several countries seal border with China as coronavirus death toll increases</a>

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had commended China for its efforts and said the WHO was not recommending curbs on travel or trade with the Asian giant.

He said the global emergency was declared because of the danger the virus could spread to countries with weak health systems, adding, "We must act now."

Chinese health authorities said the number of infections had risen to 9,692 by Thursday.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-in-india-kerala-reports-first-confirmed-case-277500">&nbsp;First confirmed case in India, Kerala student tests positive</a>

There have been no deaths outside China, although 131 cases have been reported in 23 other countries and regions, with the latest in Britain, where authorities said the two cases were from the same family.

The WHO has reported at least eight instances of human-to-human transmission in four countries, the United States, Germany, Japan and Vietnam.

Thailand said on Friday it too had a case of human-to-human transmission.

Fear and flights

Flu epidemics kill hundreds of thousands of people across the world each year, WHO figures show, but new viruses trigger alarm because their fatality and transmission rates are unknown and there are no vaccines.

Researchers worldwide are rushing to unlock the secrets of this virus and make a vaccine.

In Pics:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/coronavirus-attack-deadly-virus-outbreaks-across-the-world-which-created-panic-in-the-past-276895"> Deadly virus outbreaks across the world which created panic in the past</a>

Italy took a more drastic step than most countries, stopping all air traffic with China after announcing its first cases, in two Chinese tourists.

More airlines have stopped flying to mainland China, including Air France KLM SA, British Airways, Germany's Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic, while others have cut flights.

Japan's ANA Holdings said it may consider suspending China flights, media reported, after the airline said bookings for February flights leaving China had halved.

Several foreign governments evacuating citizens from Hubei are holding them in quarantine for the 14-day incubation period of the virus.

A plane carrying Britons and other Europeans left Wuhan on Friday, Britain's embassy said.

Japan, with 14 confirmed cases, said it would take special measures against the virus, including compulsory hospitalisation and the use of public funds for treatment.

It has sent three flights to bring citizens home.

The first of four planned flights taking South Koreans home landed on Friday, as tension simmered over quarantine centres that protesters have said are too close to homes.

China in turn is trying to bring home its tourists stranded abroad, with the state-run People's Daily saying two flights were sent on Thursday, to Thailand and Malaysia.

Economic risk

While markets took a breather on Friday after falls this week, apprehension is growing about the impact of the virus on China and the world.

"The fear of contagion risk is already evident in global financial markets," Moody's Investors Service said on Thursday.

Major firms, such as Alphabet Inc's Google and Sweden's IKEA, have suspended operations in China.

At least 15 Chinese municipalities and provinces have asked companies to extend the Lunar New Year holiday by a week, to Feb. 10.

China's statistics show that just over 2% of infected people have died, suggesting the virus is less deadly than the coronaviruses responsible for the 2002-2003 outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and an episode of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

But economists fear its impact could be bigger than SARS, which killed about 800 people at an estimated cost of $33 billion to the global economy, since China's share of the world economy is now far greater.

The effect could "reverberate globally", hitting supply chains, Moody's said, adding, "Global companies operating in the affected area may face output losses as a result of the evacuation of workers."

The virus is believed to have originated in a food market illegally selling wildlife in Wuhan. About 60 million people in Hubei province are living under virtual lockdown.

With new cases being reported around the world, the anti-China sentiment is emerging in some places and manufacturers are scrambling to meet demand for protective masks.

Facebook Inc said it would take down misinformation about the coronavirus, in a rare departure from its approach to health content.

The United States warned Americans not to travel to China as the death toll from a new virus reached 213 on Friday and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency, and Britain confirmed its first two cases.

The United States warned Americans not to travel to China as the death toll from a new virus reached 213 on Friday and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency, and Britain confirmed its first two cases. Stock markets steadied slightly after the WHO praised China's efforts to contain the virus, following a tumble the previous day over a rising toll in the world's second-biggest economy. "Do not travel to China due to novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan," the US State Department said in a new travel advisory on its website, raising the warning for China to the same level as Afghanistan and Iraq. Also read: Wuhan virus death toll hits 213 in China, nearly 10000 infected Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told parliament his government had decided to raise its infectious disease advisory level for China, urging citizens to avoid non-urgent trips. Japan's advisory for China's central province of Hubei, where the virus first emerged in its capital of Wuhan in December, is a level higher, advising citizens not to travel there. China has taken "the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures", a foreign ministry spokeswoman said in response to the WHO declaration, although Beijing has not commented on the U.S. travel warning. "We have full confidence and capability to win this fight," Hua Chunying said in a statement. Also read: Several countries seal border with China as coronavirus death toll increases WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had commended China for its efforts and said the WHO was not recommending curbs on travel or trade with the Asian giant. He said the global emergency was declared because of the danger the virus could spread to countries with weak health systems, adding, "We must act now." Chinese health authorities said the number of infections had risen to 9,692 by Thursday. Also Read: First confirmed case in India, Kerala student tests positive There have been no deaths outside China, although 131 cases have been reported in 23 other countries and regions, with the latest in Britain, where authorities said the two cases were from the same family. The WHO has reported at least eight instances of human-to-human transmission in four countries, the United States, Germany, Japan and Vietnam. Thailand said on Friday it too had a case of human-to-human transmission. Fear and flights Flu epidemics kill hundreds of thousands of people across the world each year, WHO figures show, but new viruses trigger alarm because their fatality and transmission rates are unknown and there are no vaccines. Researchers worldwide are rushing to unlock the secrets of this virus and make a vaccine. In Pics: Deadly virus outbreaks across the world which created panic in the past Italy took a more drastic step than most countries, stopping all air traffic with China after announcing its first cases, in two Chinese tourists. More airlines have stopped flying to mainland China, including Air France KLM SA, British Airways, Germany's Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic, while others have cut flights. Japan's ANA Holdings said it may consider suspending China flights, media reported, after the airline said bookings for February flights leaving China had halved. Several foreign governments evacuating citizens from Hubei are holding them in quarantine for the 14-day incubation period of the virus. A plane carrying Britons and other Europeans left Wuhan on Friday, Britain's embassy said. Japan, with 14 confirmed cases, said it would take special measures against the virus, including compulsory hospitalisation and the use of public funds for treatment. It has sent three flights to bring citizens home. The first of four planned flights taking South Koreans home landed on Friday, as tension simmered over quarantine centres that protesters have said are too close to homes. China in turn is trying to bring home its tourists stranded abroad, with the state-run People's Daily saying two flights were sent on Thursday, to Thailand and Malaysia. Economic risk While markets took a breather on Friday after falls this week, apprehension is growing about the impact of the virus on China and the world. "The fear of contagion risk is already evident in global financial markets," Moody's Investors Service said on Thursday. Major firms, such as Alphabet Inc's Google and Sweden's IKEA, have suspended operations in China. At least 15 Chinese municipalities and provinces have asked companies to extend the Lunar New Year holiday by a week, to Feb. 10. China's statistics show that just over 2% of infected people have died, suggesting the virus is less deadly than the coronaviruses responsible for the 2002-2003 outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and an episode of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). But economists fear its impact could be bigger than SARS, which killed about 800 people at an estimated cost of $33 billion to the global economy, since China's share of the world economy is now far greater. The effect could "reverberate globally", hitting supply chains, Moody's said, adding, "Global companies operating in the affected area may face output losses as a result of the evacuation of workers." The virus is believed to have originated in a food market illegally selling wildlife in Wuhan. About 60 million people in Hubei province are living under virtual lockdown. With new cases being reported around the world, the anti-China sentiment is emerging in some places and manufacturers are scrambling to meet demand for protective masks. Facebook Inc said it would take down misinformation about the coronavirus, in a rare departure from its approach to health content.

US warns citizens against travel to China as it confirms first human-to-human transmission

Air India special flight departing from Delhi on Friday will evacuate around 400 Indians trapped in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-fears-grip-chinas-borders-families-of-uk-citizens-barred-from-departing-as-they-hold-chinese-passports-277484">coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan</a>, the national carrier's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said.

Lohani said that the Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft will take off at 12 pm from Delhi today and will return by 2 am on Saturday. "We are sending a Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft. Around 400 Indians will be evacuated today from Wuhan in China by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-disinvestment-begins-modi-govt-invites-bids-for-100-stake-sale-276796">Air India</a> flight. It will take off at 12 pm today and will return by 2 am tomorrow," he added.

<img alt="CMD Ashwani Lohani" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40457b0e-386f-4ade-b624-2a28836753a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2824%29_4.jpg" /> 
[ Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Managing Director, Air India (Courtesy: ANI) ]

The flight will include all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-has-to-be-privatised-no-other-option-hardeep-puri-271260">necessary </a>resources like masks, medical equipment, packed food, prescribed medicines, along with a team of five doctors from the Health Ministry, and paramedical personnel from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/government-puts-100-of-air-india-on-sale-277092">Air India</a>. Twenty crew members, including 15 cabin crew and five cockpit crew will be on board. Lohani said that the team of doctors and crew will be led by Air India's Director of Operations Captain Amitabh Singh.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-indigo-air-india-suspend-most-china-bound-flights-no-case-in-india-yet-277405">Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet</a>

Lohani said that further arrangements for the passengers upon their return to India will be done by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Health Ministry. China has imposed a lockdown in Wuhan following the outbreak of the virus.

Coronavirus has claimed the lives of as many as 213 people in China alone, while cases have been reported in several countries across the world. Health authorities around the world are taking action to prevent a global pandemic as the virus continues to spread, with cases reported in Australia, France, the US, and several Asian countries besides China

Air India special flight departing from Delhi on Friday will evacuate around 400 Indians trapped in the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, the national carrier's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said.

Air India special flight departing from Delhi on Friday will evacuate around 400 Indians trapped in the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, the national carrier's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said. Lohani said that the Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft will take off at 12 pm from Delhi today and will return by 2 am on Saturday. "We are sending a Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft. Around 400 Indians will be evacuated today from Wuhan in China by Air India flight. It will take off at 12 pm today and will return by 2 am tomorrow," he added. [ Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Managing Director, Air India (Courtesy: ANI) ] The flight will include all necessary resources like masks, medical equipment, packed food, prescribed medicines, along with a team of five doctors from the Health Ministry, and paramedical personnel from Air India. Twenty crew members, including 15 cabin crew and five cockpit crew will be on board. Lohani said that the team of doctors and crew will be led by Air India's Director of Operations Captain Amitabh Singh. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet Lohani said that further arrangements for the passengers upon their return to India will be done by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Health Ministry. China has imposed a lockdown in Wuhan following the outbreak of the virus. Coronavirus has claimed the lives of as many as 213 people in China alone, while cases have been reported in several countries across the world. Health authorities around the world are taking action to prevent a global pandemic as the virus continues to spread, with cases reported in Australia, France, the US, and several Asian countries besides China

Air India CMD says around 400 Indians to be evacuated from Wuhan

The fatal virus outbreak in China has taken more than 80 lives. At least 15 Chinese cities are now in lockdown. Indians in China have reached out to the government for help.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus spreads: Indians to be evacuated

The death toll from a coronavirus outbreak in China rose to 81 on Monday (January 27), as the government extended the Lunar New Year holiday and more big businesses shut down or told staff to work from home in an effort to curb the spread.

China extends Spring Festival holiday to contain coronavirus outbreak

wuhan-virus

Wuhan Virus, News on Wuhan Virus, stories on Wuhan Virus, articles on Wuhan Virus, Wuhan Virus stories at Wion, Wuhan Virus news, Wuhan Virus latest news

wuhan virus