Wuhan coronavirus outbreak: FAQs

The novel coronavirus outbreak originated in the Wuhan city, China, towards the end of 2019.

The coronavirus outbreak is spreading to more countries worldwide. Click on the Read More button below to see the coronavirus timeline and evolution

The 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) death toll crossed 1,300 on 13 February 2020 and is expected to rise further.

It will depend on multiple factors including the R0 that determine how contagious is the virus, the incubation period of the virus, how far it has spread, whether air-borne transmission of the virus is possible, the frequency of asymptomatic carriers, the scenario of animal to human transmission, and how long the coronavirus vaccine development will take.

The first coronavirus case in China was confirmed in December 2019.

Coronavirus affects only few provinces in China, but the fear of spread and growing intensity has been affecting the country in a number of ways.

Travellers arriving from China are undergoing health screening and will have additional health assessment in case of no signs and symptoms. In the US, for instance, they can enter only through one of the 11 specified airports, where the screening iswill be done by US Customs and Border Protection agents.

The first confirmed coronavirus case in Hong Kong was reported on 23 January 2020.

India's Ministry of Health & Family Welfare confirmed the first coronavirus case on 30 January 2020 in the state of Kerala.

The first novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the US was confirmed in Washington on 21 January 2020.

Australia confirmed its first case of the COVID-19 on 25 January 2020, in Melbourne.

Japan reported its first confirmed coronavirus case on 16 January.

The UK reported confirmed coronavirus cases first on 31 January 2020.

Yes, multiple coronavirus cases have been reported in Thailand.

Thailand reported its first confirmed coronavirus case on 13 January 2020.

Thailand, like many other countries, could see few industries impacted due to the coronavirus outbreak. The government is, however, taking necessary measures to minimise the impact.

The Thailand government is assuring tourists and travellers from all countries except China that it's safe to tour Thailand. The government is taking preventive measures to control spread and distributing masks to travellers.

Yes, Philippines reported its first confirmed coronavirus case on 30 January 2020.

Yes, the WHO has declared the COVID-19 coronavirus disease as a pandemic in March 2020.