Panic is rising in China and around the world. Chinese officials are trying to contain the cause of this panic: a virus outbreak called the coronavirus. The coronavirus first emerged in Wuhan, a city in China, with a population of about 11 million people. The source of the outbreak was linked to a Huanan Seafood Wholesales Market in Wuhan; the virus has spread to Germany, France, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Nepal, Cambodia, and the United States with eleven cases that have been confirmed. The Coronavirus causes breathing problems and pneumonia, which has reportedly already killed around 361 people and reportedly 17,205 people have been sickened. 

   “The virus makes me pretty worried because throughout history we have heard about viruses that killed millions of people like the black plague, and it spread super fast so no one saw it coming. Also, there isn’t a vaccine because it is so new, so I just pray for those people who already have it,” Elisa Byfield (11) said. 

   Internationally, many have expressed their concern about the virus reaching their home because of the Lunar New Year migration. During this holiday season, millions of people travel to visit their loved ones; the heightened global interaction can cause the coronavirus to spread faster thoughout the world. 

   “Americans should be alert and keep an eye on the virus. We need to make sure it does not become a global threat, but we should not let ourselves be consumed by worry,” Adriana Javier (11) said.

   China has put in place many control measures to contain the virus from spreading. The country has stopped transportation from moving in or out of Wuhan and surrounding cities. Screenings of people who travel to other countries are being conducted in order to monitor travelers for any signs of the virus. China has practically has put tens of millions of its citizens on lockdown. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, gave credit to China for containing the coronavirus from spreading to other countries, keeping the death toll within China.

   “I found out about the coronavirus through social media. I am being more cautious when I am out in public because the virus is known for how quickly it spreads, and I know it has reached the U.S. I think we need to spread more awareness about the coronavirus for it is not being taken seriously. I saw the other day, a group of boys where one boy pretended to cough and then another boy say ‘you probably have the coronavirus’ then they all laughed but I just think we need to take the virus more seriously, ” Noemi Aguilar (12) said.

   The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global health emergency on Jan. 30. There have been cases reported with evidence of the coronavirus being able to transmit by human to human contact outside of Chinese borders. This declaration officially warns and encourages all United Nations countries to take serious precautions against the coronavirus. Now every country around the world has decisions to make on how to proceed to keep their country safe from the virus.