On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus epidemic a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, signifying the need for a concerted international effort to curb the spread of the virus.
Assistant Professor Clarence Tam highlights the key uncertainties that remain — how widely the virus will spread outside China, what impact this will have (particularly in countries with fragile health systems) and exactly how severe this illness is.
He describes how human migration and urbanisation — together with increased human encroachment into animal habitats and the intensification of food animal production — make it easier for animal viruses to jump to humans and spread rapidly with devastating impact.
Dr Tam also addresses the viral spread of misinformation that comes with the rapid spread of the virus. While social media has facilitated communication of scientific knowledge and health information, it is also being used to spread conspiracy theories, unfounded rumours, bigoted opinions and even malware.
“Much of this incites social tension, distrust in governments, health authorities and scientific evidence, and demonstrates extreme and disturbing prejudices on the basis of nationality and ethnicity.
As countries implement stricter travel restrictions and social distancing measures in an effort to curb epidemic spread, there is a real danger that as a society we may be aiding the spread of hatred and xenophobia.”
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