As the number of people worldwide infected with the new coronavirus reached 100,000, there is a sense of déjà vu across the West
March 6, 2020, 5:37 PM
4 min read
As cases of the new coronavirus surpassed 100,000 worldwide, a sense of déjà vu spread across Europe and North America. The outbreak cleared out grocery stores, anchored cruise ship passengers in their cabins and created other scenes like ones that played out in Asia earlier. Attention also is turning to the economic and health threats the global epidemic poses to developing countries.
These are some of the latest developments Friday:
RIPPLE EFFECT ON POVERTY
The virus' economic toll from disruptions such as halted travel, closed businesses and reduced factory orders threatens already struggling communities for months to come. India scrambled to stave off an epidemic that could overwhelm an under-funded health care system without nearly enough labs or hospitals for the country's 1.3 billion people. The head of the United Nations' food agency warned of the potential for “absolute devastation” as virus cases worldwide reached 100,000 and the outbreak’s effects ripple through Africa and the Middle East.
ANOTHER HURDLE FOR MIGRANTS
The virus has become another hurdle in the long and dangerous journeys of Europe-bound migrants. The idea that asylum-seekers could carry the virus across borders has made them more unwanted than they were before in some European countries. Hungary, Greece and Croatia are among the ones citing fears of possible infection from people coming from countries like Iran. This comes as thousands of migrants have amassed on the Turkey-Greece border hoping to enter the European Union.
BEER BAN
Authorities in Bavaria have urged politicians not to attend the traditional Nockherberg 'strong beer' festival in Munich next week because of concerns about the new coronavirus. The Paulaner brewery said Friday it had taken all possible safety measures but it now looked like the event, which features satirical sketches poking fun at politicians who are often present in the room, would have to be canceled completely. Bavaria's health minister, Melanie Huml, said “the protection of the population is our top priority.”
POP-UP PREVENTION
The U.S. capital has pop-up shops for food and drink, even marijuana. And now, coronavirus prevention supplies. As local stores sell out of face masks and hand sanitizer, Adilisha Patrom, owner of a co-working and event space, saw a business opportunity. Amid the economic toll of the virus outbreak, some companies have made out well. Warehouse depatment store chain Costco has reported that February sales at stores open at least a year jumped 12.1% from the same month last year. The company attributed the growth to “concerns over the coronavirus.”
VIRUS BREACHES VATICAN WALLS
A Vatican spokesman confirmed the first case of coronavirus at the city-state that is home to the pope. Spokesman Matteo Bruni said non-emergency medical services at the Vatican have been closed for sanitizing. More details on the identity of the person testing positive were not made available. Pope Francis has been recovering from a cold all week and the Vatican has said he doesn't have another pathology.
ANOTHER CRUISE SHIP ANCHORED
Some passengers and crew members aboard a cruise ship held off the California coast were awaiting test results to know if they are infected with the novel coronavirus. A traveler from a previous voyage on the Grand Princess died of COVID-19 disease and at least four others became infected. As results were expected Friday, more than 3,500 people were trapped aboard the 951-foot (290-meter) vessel.
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ONLINE CLASSES
The University of Washington says it will stop holding traditional classes for nearly 60,000 students and that students will instead take them online. College officials say they took the step to help stop the spread of the virus that has hit Washington state hard. The change begins Monday and stays in effect through the end of winter quarter on March 20. The university's campuses in Seattle, Tacoma and Bothell will still remain open.
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Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
