WHO declares global emergency over coronavirus

Research funders and government ministries scramble to unpick dangers

The World Health Organization has declared a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ over the coronavirus that has now infected thousands of people and killed at least 170.

The decision—taken on 30 January—came as airlines suspended flights to China, where most of the 7,800 confirmed cases have been detected. Universities in Australia have temporarily banned staff and students from travelling to China in a bid to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus. Patients suffering from the virus have been reported in 18 other countries.