The novel coronavirus infection challenges cannot be neglected outside China

On 30 January 2020, the novel coronavirus was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) while the related disease is now declared to be COVID-19. COVID-19 is a zoonotic virus. From phyliginetic analyses undertaken with available full genome sequences, bats seems to be the reservoir of COVID-19, but the intermediate hosts have not yet been found. It is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. 

COVID-19 is transmitted by droplets and fomites during close unprotected contact beteen infector and infectee.Airborne spread has not been reported for COVID-19, and it is not believed to a major driver of transmission based on current evidences. People with COVID-19 generally develop signs and symptoms,such as mild respiratory symptoms and fever, about 5~6 days after infection is incubation period ranging from 1 to 14 days.

As of 29 February, 2838 of 79394 laboratory confirmed cases have died in China. People at highest risk for severe disease and death cover persons over 6 years and those with underlying illness including hypertension, diabetes,cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diesease and cancer. Disease in children appears to be relatively rare and mild.

The coronavirus, which has killed above 2,800 people worldwide and all but paralyzed China for in February, now is turning to Europe’s $19 trillion economy. With countries such as China, Italy and South Korea that account for 30 percent of global output already feeling the hits of the ailmen, the danger of more severe global turmoil is worsening.

As of 28 February, 815 cases and 19 deaths have been reported in the EU/EEA, the UK, San Marino and Switzerland: Italy (650), Germany (47), France (38), Spain (25), United Kingdom (16), Switzerland (8), Sweden (7), Austria (5), Norway (4), Croatia (3), Greece (3), Finland (2), Belgium (1), Denmark (1), Romania (1), Estonia (1), San Marino (1), the Netherlands (1) and Lithuania (1).

17 deaths have been reported in Italy; two deaths have been reported in France.

The coronavirus has been a fearful challenge everywhere. In South Korea, site of the largest Asian outbreak outside of China, a cluster of nearly 1,300 cases is slowing and worsening its an economy pace.

In recent days, the virus that was found first in the Chinese city of Wuhan -- before spreading to South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Iran, Afghanistan and Bahrain -- became a European problem.

Europe also may soon face the same dilemma that China had faced as its epidemic spreads if without strong quarantine and disease control measures. Restrictions on large gatherings, including on public transit systems, entertainment venues and workplaces, inevitably depress business activity.The coronavirus, like any epidemic, is a stress test for governance and societies.