We are in the month of February now! But the start of this month has not been good for not only us, but for the world also!
By now, if you must have heard of the Wuhan coronavirus which has now been declared a global health emergancy by the World Health Organisation. China, which is the epicentre of this virus has over 12,000 confirmed cases, and as you read this post, the number of confirmed cases has probably increased by a few more thousands. China’s death toll is also close to 300 now. This supasses the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak that began in southern China, which infected 8,098 people worldwide, killing 774. It didn’t help that the start of the outbreak coincided with the mass migration that happens each year in China at the start of the Lunar New Year.
More than 20 countries and territories outside of mainland China have confirmed cases of the virus — spanning Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East — as the United Kingdom reported its first two cases on Friday. Singapore has now barred entry, including transit, to all new visitors from mainland China while residents flying in from China will need to quarantine themselves for 14 days.
Other than this, we have been mostly home and are avoiding crowded public places as much as possible. Though there are no local and community transmissions in Singapore, this can change anytime, so please stay safe people.
Have a happy and healthy February!