Introducing to you… COVID-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that ‘COVID-19’ will now be the official name of the deadly virus that originated from China.
Photo: Bloomberg / The University of Hong Kong
According to Channel News Asia, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Chebreyesus was quoted saying that the disease represented a “very grave threat” for the world but there was a “realistic chance” of stopping it.
“We now have a name for the disease and it’s COVID-19. “Co” stands for corona, “vi” stands for virus and the “d” for disease, while “19” was for the year, as the outbreak was first identified on Dec 31,” he added.
The name had been chosen to avoid references to a specific geographical location, animal species or group of people in line with international recommendations for naming aimed at preventing stigmatisation, according to the WHO chief.
WHO has appealed for sharing virus samples to speed up research into drugs and vaccines.
“The first vaccine could be available in 18 months. So, we have to do everything today using the available weapons to fight this virus while preparing for the long term using the preparations for the vaccines - if we invest now, we have a realistic chance of stopping it”, Tedros said.
The COVID-19 has killed more than 1,000 people, infected over 42,000 and reached some 25 countries, with the WHO declaring it a global health emergency.
Good news! A vaccine is on its way - but in the meantime, do take care of your health okay guys!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
