This is coming from the same World Health Organisation that had previously been strongly advising against travel bans to and from China while China was already locking off cities from the rest of the country containing tens of millions of people in a desperate attempt to contain the virus.
This is coming from the very same World Health Organisation that many have accused of downplaying the severity of the situation when they hesitated to declare it an international health emergency.
They sent an advance team into China yesterday. If they are now suddenly calling it a very grave threat, then things must be bad.
Those countries that shut down travel to and from China on Jan. 30th may have the best shot of keeping the virus out.
Those of you living in countries that are still hesitating to shut down travel from China and are not doing airport screenings should definitely prepare. This is the case with most EU countries.
Don’t panic. Prepare.
People in Asian countries and Europe are now having to go into home quarantine merely because they were near someone infected with the Novel Corona Virus, so you should probably make sure that you have at least a two weeks supply of drink, food, and necessary medicines in the house. Don’t forget a supply of pet food, if you have a pet.
And please wash your hands many times a day with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds.
It is also a good idea to train yourself not to touch your face before you have thoroughly washed your hands.
If you have symptoms of the Flu, even mild symptoms, and have recently been to mainland China, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong or Macau, you should self-isolate and call your relevant national health authorities and notify them of your case. This is what the UK Govt. is advising.
This is an all hands on deck moment for the world. We all need to be safe, smart, prepared, and alert, so that we can effectively contain and combat this virus.