(WHO, Covid-19) - Emergencies Program Director Michael Ryan called the situation 'a reality check for every government on the planet.'

'Reluctance to tell the public the truth for fear of causing panic has plagued responses to other disease emergencies..'

- New Scientist, Covid-19: Why won't the WHO officially declare a coronavirus pandemic? February 26, 2020



'After the WHO raised its alert level, the agency’s Emergencies Program Director Michael Ryan called the situation “a reality check for every government on the planet.”

“Wake up, get ready,” he said. “This virus may be on its way.” '

'NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus outbreak began to look more like a worldwide economic crisis Friday as anxiety about the infection emptied shops and amusement parks, canceled events, cut trade and travel and dragged already slumping financial markets even lower.

..

The list of countries touched by the illness climbed to nearly 60 as Mexico, Belarus, Lithuania, New Zealand, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Iceland and the Netherlands reported their first cases. More than 83,000 people worldwide have contracted the illness, with deaths topping 2,800.

..

South Korea, the second hardest hit country, on Saturday morning reported 594 new cases, the highest daily jump since confirming its first patient in late January. Emerging clusters in Italy and in Iran, which has had 34 deaths and 388 cases, have led to infections of people in other countries. France and Germany were also seeing increases, with dozens of infections.

..

After the WHO raised its alert level, the agency’s Emergencies Program Director Michael Ryan called the situation “a reality check for every government on the planet.”

“Wake up, get ready,” he said. “This virus may be on its way.” '

- AP, Outbreak starts to look more like worldwide economic crisis, February 29, 2020



Context

Singapore FAQs page on the COVID-19 Situation

Local spread of coronavirus marks turning point in U.S., February 29, 2020

'..washing your hands..', July 3, 2018


First death from coronavirus in the United States confirmed in Washington state, officials say, February 29, 2020

(Trump Admin Incompetence) - '..workers were potentially exposed to coronavirus because appropriate steps were not taken to protect them..'

'..doubt on Trump team's coronavirus response .. the virus could bring severe disruption to American life..'