The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Tuesday they are naming the deadly coronavirus “COVID-19."
WHO leaders said having a name matters to “prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing" ... and “gives us a standard format to use for any future coronavirus outbreaks.”
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During a news conference, the organization said there were 42,708 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in China, surpassing 1,000 deaths -- 1,017 people in China have lost their lives to this virus.
Outside China, there are 393 cases in 24 countries, with one death.
In Michigan, five people have undergone CDC testing for the virus. Each case has returned negative results for COVID-19.
Daily media briefing on #2019nCoV with @DrTedros https://t.co/rIOrFuLckE
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 11, 2020
"We’re keeping the public informed about what everyone can do to protect their own health & that of others.
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 11, 2020
Clean your hands regularly, either with alcohol-based rub or soap and water"-@DrTedros #COVID19 https://t.co/bJfrXVe7mt