Hong Kong Declared Virus Emergency & Shut Down Schools Until 17 Feb 2020

Unless you’re a bat, you’ve probably heard of the Wuhan virus.

But if you are a bat, let me first tell you that you might have caused this deadly epidemic before I congratulate you on your ability to read.

Bat: Uh, thanks?

The Wuhan virus is a new respiratory coronavirus that has infected over a thousand and claimed 56 lives.

It originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and quickly spread throughout China and other countries in Asia.

Just yesterday, the fourth case of the virus in Singapore was confirmed. And other countries are taking drastic measures to contain the deadly virus.

Hong Kong Declared Virus Emergency & Shut Down Schools Until 17 Feb 2020

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam declared a virus emergency on Saturday (25 Jan), announcing several measures aimed at limiting the country’s connection to mainland China.

These include:

• Extending school cancellations until 17 Feb 2020
• Cancelling all official visits to mainland China
• Halting flights and high-speed train journeys between Hong Kong and Wuhan
• Scrapping annual official Lunar New Year celebrations for the city

Yes, even CNY has to be scrapped due to this virus.

Fives cases confirmed in HK

According to CNBC, Hong Kong health authorities have already confirmed five cases of the Wuhan virus.

An additional 122 people in Hong Kong are being treated for potentially having the disease.

You can see why Lam introduced such drastic measures.

China, too, has quarantined multiple cities in an effort to limit the spread of the disease.

Tourist spots like Shanghai Disney are closing until further notice, and Starbucks and McDonalds announced temporary closures of their chains in the province of Hubei, which houses Wuhan.

Now, while Lam declared a virus emergency, the World Health Organisation has declined to delcare the disease a global health emergency, saying it needs more data.

Symptoms to look out for

While we’re banking on the government to tackle this pandemic, we need to practice prudence and vigilance ourselves to avoid contracting and spreading the disease.

Practice good hand hygiene and wear a surgical mask when you go out in public to lower your chances of spreading or contracting the disease.

There are also some symptoms you should look out for in the early stages:

• fever
• fatigue
• sore throat
• dry cough

Later on, patients may experience difficulty breathing. Symptoms of the Wuhan virus may not manifest until up to a week after contracting the virus, so if you do experience these symptoms, it’d be wise to see a doctor.