On December 31, 2019, the outbreak of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the respiratory disease Covid-19 became known. That day, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about this. More than three years later, the pandemic was finally declared over.
In November 2019, there were analyzes that the lung disease came from the Huanan fish market in the Chinese metropolis of Wuhan. On January 30, 2020, the WHO declared a “public health emergency of international concern.” Most governments tried to contain the pandemic with measures such as social distancing rules and recurring restaurant closures and the like. Vaccinations have been offered in the EU since the end of December 2020.
6.8 million infections
In Austria, an infection has no longer been a reportable disease since July 2023. By then, 6.8 million infections had been diagnosed in this country and 22,500 deaths had been linked to Covid-19.
Five years after the outbreak of the corona pandemic, the WHO has now called on Chinese authorities to provide more data to clarify its origins. It’s about learning lessons for the future. “If the next pandemic were to start today, the world would still be struggling with some of the weaknesses and vulnerabilities that caused Covid-19 to emerge five years ago,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu. The World Health Organization has repeatedly complained in the past about a lack of transparency and cooperation from Chinese authorities.
Negotiations on pandemic agreements stalled
The international community had already started developing an agreement to prevent and combat pandemics in December 2021. However, negotiations are stuck, even though the 194 member states have agreed on the main content. This includes how information on emerging pathogens should be shared with other states and institutions as quickly as possible. Negotiations are expected to be concluded in May 2025.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
