Image courtesy: WHO
The situation around the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that broke out in China in December 2019 continues to evolve.
Following are the facts as of 9 am on Sunday, 2 February 2020.
- In its situation report on 1 February 2020 of the coronavirus outbreak, the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated:
“The main driver of transmission,based on currently available data, is symptomatic cases. WHO is aware of possible transmission of 2019-nCoV from infected people before they developed symptoms. Detailed exposure histories are being taken to better understand the pre-clinical phase of infection and how transmission may have occurred in these few instances. Asymptomatic infection may be rare, and transmission from an asymptomatic person is very rare with other coronaviruses, as we have seen with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus. Thus, transmission from asymptomatic cases is likely not a major driver of transmission. Persons who are symptomatic will spread the virus more readily through coughing and sneezing.”
– WHO
- On Saturday, 1 February 2020, it was reported that a case of suspected coronavirus infection was being monitored at Swakopmund, Namibia, by health authorities.
- According to reports, five cases of potential coronavirus infection are being monitored in neighbouring Botswana.
- Despite these suspected cases, by Sunday, 2 February 2020, there had been no confirmed cases of coronavirus infection on the African continent.
- On Sunday it was reported that Chinese authorities had confirmed 14 380 infection cases.
- The death toll has been put at 305 by Sunday, 2 February 2020 – 304 in China and 1 outside (Philippines).
- The first death outside China has been recorded in the Philippines – a middle-aged Chinese man who had recently traveled from Wuhan.
- A growing number of countries have issued travel bans to and from China over the coronavirus outbreak.
- The death rate is just over 2% of the infected so far.
Namibia Fact Check will continue updating the #CoronaVirusFacts as the situation evolves.