Coronavirus: WHO declares public health emergency

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak of the virus a public health emergency of international concern with WHO's Director-General stressing "this declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China"

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

The declaration of coronavirus as global emergency marks the sixth time the World Health Organisation gives this designation.

Citing an unprecedented outbreak, WHO's Director- General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was quick to clarify that "this declaration is not a vote of no-confidence in China."

 

"Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems," he said.

The death toll has risent to at least 213 people, while more than 9,700 cases have been recorded globally.

 

According to Australia's Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, there are 9 confirmed cases of patients in the country, who remain stable.