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Tracking the Coronavirus

  • Stephen Repetski

    • Illustration depicting the coronavirus (CDC)

    March 17, 2020

    The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has sickened at least 167,515 people and killed 6,606, according to the latest World Health Organization data release 16 March 2020. The total number of cases of infection is believed to be higher than what has been reported due to limited testing.

    Countries around the world have restricted travel and are urging citizens to avoid crowds which could spread the virus. The Grasswire team is bringing together information from around the world highlighting how governments and private organizations are reacting to the disease.

    Verified government information sources

    Coronavirus testing

    Limiting the spread of viruses and diseases

    Andrew Okwuosah

    Andrew Okwuosah

    The Kentucky Derby will not be held on the first Saturday in May for the first time in 75 years, after the horse race was moved to September 5.

    “Throughout the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best protect the safety and health of our guests, team members and community,” Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO Bill Carstanjen said in a statement. “As the situation evolved, we steadily made all necessary operational adjustments to provide the safest experience and environment. The most recent developments have led us to make some very difficult, but we believe, necessary decisions and our hearts are with those who have been or continue to be affected by this pandemic.

    “Our team is united in our commitment to holding the very best Kentucky Derby ever and certainly the most unique in any of our lifetimes. While we are always respectful of the time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby, our Company's true legacy is one of resilience, the embracing of change and unshakable resolve.”

    Tickets will automatically roll over to the new date, and information about refunds will be available by the end of the week.

    Joanne

    UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged Britons not to travel overseas for the next month.

    “This change in travel advice reflects the pace at which other countries are either closing their borders or implementing restrictive measures in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

    Often there is little or no notice when countries take these steps and restrictions are also being imposed in areas where no cases of coronavirus have yet been reported. They are therefore very difficult to predict,” the Foreign and Commonwealth office said.

    Andrew Okwuosah

    Andrew Okwuosah

    Public Health Wales has announced in a statement that there are 12 new positive cases, bringing the country's confirmed number of cases to 136. The agency also noted that testing only within hospitals is “likely to underestimate the true number of cases.”

    Their advice for the public has also changed, as they now advise people to stay at home for 14 days if they, or anyone in their household, has either a high temperature or a new/continuous cough; avoid non-essential contact with others and unnecessary travel; work from home when possible; and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres, and social venues. Those in at-risk groups “will be asked within days to be largely shielded from social contact for 12 weeks.”
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