THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Covid-19 outbreak is now classified as a pandemic.
But what does that mean, and what should we do now?
Here are your questions answered.
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WHAT IS A PANDEMIC?
A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease.
WHY IS IT NOW CLASSED AS ONE?
The classification comes as WHO announced that there are more than 118,000 cases across 114 countries. So far 4,291 people have lost their lives.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: WHO officially declares Covid-19 a 'pandemic'
WHEN WAS THE LAST ONE?
This is the first coronavirus to cause a pandemic.
In recent history coronaviruses which had pandemic potential were Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) in 2002/03, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) in 2012.
The last major respiratory outbreak classed as a pandemic was Swine Flu which started in 2009.
DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN WHAT IS BEING DONE?
WHO said the assessment "doesn't change what WHO is doing, and it doesn't change what countries should do."
WHAT HAS WHO SUGGESTED?
The global health body said that it was "deeply concerned by the alarming levels of inaction", as it called for countries to take "urgent and aggressive action".
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE UK?
The UK has already set out it's battle plan to fight coronavirus which includes four main steps: to contain the disease; delay its onset; conduct research and mitigate its effects should transmission of the virus become established in the UK.
The classification of a pandemic will not change the current approach but the plan is under constant review.
WHAT CAN I DO?
The new classification does not change guidance for what people can do to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus.
Here are the current steps advised by the UK Government for the general public:
- Maintain good hand hygiene, wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available use hand sanitiser
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues straight away and wash your hands afterwards
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
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