What is a Global health Emergency and what changes when it's declared?

The World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency, recognising the disease is a risk beyond China.

Public health officials participate in a preparation meeting for coronavirus Source: AAP

It comes after the United Nations health agency met to discuss the ongoing outbreak of the virus as the death toll in China reaches 170.

The latest coronavirus outbreak in China has prompted questions about how a global public health emergency or PHEIC is determined by the World Health Organisation.