Coronavirus

In a press briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom, PhD, said the decision to declare a pandemic is based on ongoing assessments of the geographic spread, the virus’s impact on overall society, and the severity of the illnesses.

As countries across the world enact policies to limit the scope of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a report of transmission via an asymptomatic carrier could make prevention more difficult and increase global concerns.

Fears surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak have had major effects even in unaffected areas, including face mask shortages, a falling stock market, and many unsubstantiated rumors.

Although the number of US cases is still low, experts are raising concerns that the US reliance on China for pharmaceutical ingredients could result in drug shortages as Chinese officials battle the outbreak.

As the most accessible health care providers, pharmacists can play a key role in counseling patients on the best practices for infection control and prevention.

There is still no vaccine or effective antiviral treatment for the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that continues to spread worldwide, and health care providers should be aware of the symptoms.

The survey, administered by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), aimed to evaluate how pharmacists and their patients are handling concerns about 2019-nCoV.

Tedros Adhanom, PhD, director general of WHO, concluded his statements in the WHO press conference by reiterating that while 2019-nCoV is of global concern, it should not lead to widespread panic.

In a tele-briefing Thursday, the CDC also reiterated that the threat to the general public in the US is still low.

The virus, first seen in Wuhan, China, is characterized by mild to severe respiratory illness, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

A case of the virus that reportedly originated in Wuhan City, China has been confirmed in Washington State.