January 2020 has been nothing but a crazy roller coaster ride.
We are only less than a month in and here are some of the major events that smacked us right in the face.
After a close shave with World War 3, Australia got ravaged by the worst wildfires seen in decades. News of Kobe Bryant’s death then swept the world, and humanity now faces an uphill battle with the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.
Latest Figure: Wuhan Coronavirus Cases Worldwide
If you have been keeping track on the Wuhan virus outbreak, here’s the latest death toll and confirm cases:
| Confirmed Cases | Deaths | |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland China | 9692 | 213 |
| Thailand | 14 | 0 |
| Japan | 14 | 0 |
| Hong Kong | 12 | 0 |
| Singapore | 13 | 0 |
| Taiwan | 9 | 0 |
| Malaysia | 8 | 0 |
| Macau | 7 | 0 |
| Australia | 9 | 0 |
| South Korea | 11 | 0 |
| USA | 6 | 0 |
| France | 6 | 0 |
| Germany | 5 | 0 |
| United Arab Emirates | 4 | 0 |
| Canada | 3 | 0 |
| Vietnam | 2 | 0 |
| Italy | 2 | 0 |
| Cambodia | 1 | 0 |
| Nepal | 1 | 0 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 | 0 |
| Finland | 1 | 0 |
| Philippines | 1 | 0 |
| India | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 9,831 | 213 |
Updated as of 31 January 2020
Latest Figure: Wuhan Coronavirus in Singapore
A deeper analysis of the situation in Singapore:
| Type of cases | Number of cases |
|---|---|
| Confirmed | 10 |
| Pending Test Results | 70 |
| Tested negative | 124 |
Updated as of 31 January 2020
Wuhan Coronavirus(2019-nCov) vs Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) vs Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrom (SARS)
By now you would have seen tonnes of fake news circulating social media about the Wuhan coronavirus.
Whoever is spreading fear and fake news in times like this, shame on you!
As concerned Singaporeans, we decide to get to the bottom of this with only information from credible sources!
| What's up? | Wuhan Coronavirus (2019-nCov) | Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) | Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrom (SARS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Reported | December 2019 in Wuhan, China | 2012 in Saudi Arabia | 2002 in Southern China |
| How it started? | Unconfirmed. But most likely from touching/eating an infected animal. | Touching, eating the meat or drinking milk of infected camels. | Believed to have started from bats which infected civets. |
| How it spreads? | Through close contact between human to human. | Limited transmission between humans through close contact. | Transmitted mainly between humans through close contact. |
| Confirmed Cases | 9831 (as of 31 January 2020) | 2,494 (as of 30 November 2019) | 8,098 |
| Death Cases | 213 (as of 31 January 2020) | 858 | 774 |
| Mortality rate | 2.17% | 34.4% | 9.56% |
| Estimated losses on the economy | China has extended S$13.2 billion to fight Wuhan Coronavirus | S$3.53 billion in tourism loss for South Korea | In six months, SARS cost the world S$54.3 billion |
Source: World Health Organisation, Reuters News Agency, Bloomberg
For investors, the Wuhan coronavirus painted the stocks market red. We look at the estimated losses with Wuhan Coronavirus, MERS and SARS. SARS cost the world a S$54.3 billion in six months.
As of 31 January 2020, World Health organization declared the outbreak of Wuhan Coronavirus an international public health emergency. The number of coronavirus cases has surpassed SARS.
Singapore vs Wuhan Coronavirus
Here are some actions taken by Singapore to prevent Wuhan coronavirus from spreading in Singapore.
- Every household in Singapore is to receive 4 masks as announced by the Government. People who are unwell, are strongly recommended to wear the mask. This will be made available progressively from 1 February 2020 at 89 Community Centres and 654 residents’ committee centres.
- There will be no entry or transit for new visitors who have travelled to Hubei in the last 14 days. This includes holders of Chinese passports issued in Hubei.
- Students or workers are given a compulsory 14-day leave from work or school if they have returned from China in the past 14 days.
- Non-essential travel from Singapore to China should be deferred.
- Temperature screening for all travellers into Singapore.
- Financial assistance of $100 will be given to self-employed who are in quarantine. The allowance goes to their employers if they are salaried workers.
- A strict penalty of up to $10,000 fine and six months in Jail will be given to those who do not abide by the quarantine restrictions.
Singaporeans can stay updated with news on Wuhan coronavirus, given that there are many false rumours circulating around.
You can also get the latest on the Wuhan coronavirus and other important Government information by signing up for the Gov.sg WhatsApp channel here: go.gov.sg/whatsapp
Also, find out more information at:
- www.moh.gov.sg (MOH website)
- go.gov.sg/maskwearing (Mask-wearing guide)
Before You Point Fingers
News on how China’s first coronavirus hospital is now up and running after workers and volunteers spent only two days converting the empty building into an emergency facility with 1,000 beds. They built a hospital in less than a week!
Before you point fingers like a typical Singaporeans, here’s something remarkable about the Chinese authorities’ reaction when compared to Sars.
Back in the year 2003, Chinese authorities took 86 days before updating the World Health Organisation (WHO) about the outbreak of Sars.
For the Wuhan coronavirus, they took 23 days.
No matter how most news outlets are trying to put the Chinese in a very bad light, we thought that they deserve quite a bit of credit for the quick turnaround this time.
Vaccine for Wuhan Coronavirus
There is currently no vaccine and cure available for Wuhan Coronavirus.
If you have some heartless Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies trying to sell you their magical potion that cures cancer, Wuhan Coronavirus and freaking poverty, do not buy it!
A vaccine can take up to 45 months to develop. Let’s stay safe during this period of time!
Symptoms and Complications of Wuhan Coronavirus
Just to be upfront about it. These are just some of the symptoms and complications of Wuhan Coronavirus.
It does not necessarily mean that you “KENA THE WUHAN VIRUS” if you have any of these symptoms. There can be various factors that can cause these symptoms too.
Typical symptoms of Wuhan Coronavirus include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Should you experience any of such symptoms, your job is simple:
- Wear a mask and seek medical attention.
- Stay home, Netflix and chill, stay away from people for the next two to three days.
- If more urgent medical attention is required, you should seek medical attention at the nearest emergency clinic or hospital.
How to Not “Kena” This Wuhan Coronavirus?
Prevention is better than cure.
- Avoid travelling to affected areas, especially the Hubei province.
Your holiday can wait! - Exercise good hand hygiene.
Wash your hands and use hand sanitiser regularly!
Source: giphy - Avoid crowded places.
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