WHO Declares the Coronavirus Outbreak a Global Pandemic

It was somewhat anticlimactic. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on Wednesday that the coronavirus is officially a pandemic.

Most people already knew that. When a viral disease enters at least 114 countries, infects some 120,000 people and kills more than 4,300, yeah, that's a pandemic.

This is the first time WHO has labeled an outbreak a pandemic since the H1N1 swine flu of 2009.

Eight countries, including the U.S., have reported 1,000 or more cases. Over the past two weeks, cases outside of China have increased 13-fold.

The bell has rung 'loud and clear'

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is director-general of WHO. He said, "We have called every day for countries to take urgent and aggressive action. We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear."

He added that while the number of cases and deaths will continue to climb, hope remains that it can be contained.

One positive is that new cases in China and South Korea have been declining. That's why Tedros adds this:

"We cannot say this loudly enough, or clearly enough, or often enough. All countries can still change the course of this pandemic."

Coronavirus symptoms

Coronavirus symptoms include fever, dry cough, fatigue and sputum/phlegm production.

Some people also get shortness of breath, sore throat and headache.

The virus causes mild illness for most, but can make others very ill. And in some cases, it can also be fatal.

Most at risk are older people and those with pre-existing conditions. Such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes.

Older folks are at risk

Infectious disease experts identify "older adults" as those 60 and older. The virus is more dangerous for this group because immune systems weaken with age.

In China, the overall fatality rate has been 2.3 percent. But in those 80 and older, it has risen to 15 percent.

Dr. Carla Perissinotto is an associate professor in the Geriatrics Division of the University of California-San Francisco's Department of Medicine.

She suggests canceling all non-essential doctor's appointments. Make sure you carry emergency contact information with you. Avoid places where crowds gather. Exercise and eat healthy.

A long-living virus

One of the reasons the coronavirus might be spreading so rapidly is due to its ability to live in the air and on surfaces for long periods of time.

Recent government testing showed it can live in the air for several hours. And on certain surfaces for as long as two to three days.

Researchers found that the virus could be detected for up to four hours on a copper surface and 24 hours on cardboard. As well as up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

Testing was done by scientists from the National Institutes of Health, Princeton University and UCLA.

Practical advice

As we've mentioned previously, there are ways we can increase our chances of avoiding this virus. They include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your face – especially your mouth, nose and eyes – with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are, or who appear to be, ill.

Workplace precautions

Here's what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends in the workplace.

  • Don't shake hands. Use non-contact methods of greeting.
  • Clean your hands at the door and schedule regular hand washing reminders by email.
  • Create habits and reminders to avoid touching your face, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Regularly disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, desks and handrails.
  • Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible. Or hold them in large, well-ventilated spaces. Consider postponing other large gatherings.
  • Increase ventilation by opening windows and/or adjusting air conditioning.
  • Limit food sharing.
  • Assess the risk of business travel.
  • Stay home if you or a family member is sick.

What if you get sick?

If you believe you might have the coronavirus, don't just rush to the emergency room.

Call your doctor right away and describe your symptoms. Your doctor will tell you whether you should go to his or her office, or to a hospital.

If you're unable to reach your doctor, call a local coronavirus hotline. They should be able to advise you.

With mild symptoms, you should be able to stay home. With more severe symptoms, a hospitalization may be required.

If you're remaining at home, stay there. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and throw it in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Use a face mask when necessary.

Shortages Remind Folks To Be Prepared

As a reaction to the global pandemic, many people across America are stocking up on important household supplies, readying themselves to stay put if the time comes where they need to stay indoors.

Items such as toilet paper, hand soap, hand sanitizer and face masks. Unfortunately, this is causing shortages.

Price gouging is also occurring – both online and at brick-and-mortar stores. And that's keeping people who need important supplies from getting them.

That is not something we do here at 4Patriots. We want as many folks as possible to know the peace of mind that comes with being prepared.

Take the steps to prepare yourself and your family and get peace of mind as the threat of the coronavirus continues to spread.

Comments

  • Anthony Heino - March 18, 2020

    Just want to thank you for the piece of mind through troubled times. Glad I purchased your products and have them for emergencies! Thanks for all the great information as well.

  • Joan T Larney - March 18, 2020

    Thank you for your infoe being clear and easy to understand. I am new to 4Patriots and have loved the product I had bought. Will con tinue to what for your updates. Thank You can from a Vet Family. Sincerly Jo

  • Jean Lodge - March 17, 2020

    Thank you for this helpful article on Coronavirus. I appreciate it as much as all the items I have purchased over the past three years, many of which I have shared with my extended family and special friends.

  • Paul Jermon - March 17, 2020

    Thanks for the update and information.
    Semper Fedelis

  • Jen - March 17, 2020

    Thank you for your active participation in helping to deal with the current pandemic and especially recognizing the evils of price gouging. I appreciate your timely articles throughout the year.

  • george - March 17, 2020

    I would love to see some aurhority test the efficacie of colloidal silver on this virus it has worked for me for several years on many other viruses keep smiling

  • Kim - March 17, 2020

    Thank you for taking the time to send out this message and information to all of us (Patriots) it’s good to be educated and to continue on with survival skills God bless and may we all stay healthy

  • Harvey D. Elman - March 17, 2020

    Thank you so very much for the info provided. It does a body good to hear first hand info, now & for
    updated messages.

    Your messages help to calm the spirit by showing your organization cares!

    God speed. /s/Harvey D. Elman.

  • Sharon - March 17, 2020

    thanks for all the info and tips, keep them coming

  • josie - March 17, 2020

    don’t forget that cloth towels etc should be washed often

  • Glenn Scott - March 17, 2020

    Have always had 75 rolls of paper on hand as well long term and short term can food products on hand. If you do this over time you do not have to pig out and prevent others from getting a share of critical items. I never really liked to shake hands.

  • Suzanne Neumann - March 17, 2020

    I have been purchasing item from you for several years, I am happy to say we are in pretty good shape to shelter in place for a extended period of time. Having purchased many products from you over this time has greatly helped us to be prepare for this and whatever comes along

  • James Raber - March 17, 2020

    Just wanted to thank you and your team. Our thoughts and prayers for the people in your state due to that disaster that occurred. I have not have had a chance to send this.
    Thank You
    James E. Raber

  • Andrew Brunacki - March 17, 2020

    Your latest email has given us all the information that we needed about the virus and what should be done. It contained all the important things that we needed to do and not do. We appreciate the work that you are doing. Keep up the good work and thank you very much.

  • Mary PArviainen - March 17, 2020

    Thank you for your clear, level headed information. The updates are so helpful

  • Ray Sullins - March 17, 2020

    I do appreciate you article on Covid-19, in fact I think it is the best I have read thus far. May I suggest another article from you as to how to fight this virus at home. Such as: Should we increase our intake of Vitamin C, as it is great in the defense of viruses; and if so how much? Are there other natural supplements that we should take and if so how much? I am thinking that your Power Greens should be beneficial in this fight, am I correct? I make an old family elixir that my doctor once told me was as good at fighting viruses as anything he could give me, are you interested in the ingredients? Of course you probably already know them. Are there other home remedies that you know of and would share with us? Of course the most important source for healing is God, and believe me Prayer Works. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts and comments. Oh I do love your Patriot Power Greens and Reds; but as a disabled Marine from the Vietnam War, I cannot afford to purchase both of them. Could you make a mixed package of the 2 products combined to make it easier for us to purchase those wonderful products? Thank you again.

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