The World Health Organisation- WHO has declared COVID 19 a Pandemic after the number of infections has increased to over 121,564 people and 4,373 deaths worldwide.

The virus has so far spread across all continents in the glob with the WHO data, declaring on average 2,000 new infections are globally daily.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-general declared covid 19  an epidemic on Wednesday in Geneva during a press briefing.

According to Adhanom, this virus can be suppressed, he said more than 90% of all reported coronavirus cases are in just 4 countries. Furthermore, he said, 81 countries, Uganda inclusive do not have any confirmed cases while 57 countries have reported 10 cases or fewer.

“This is also the first time that we have seen a pandemic that can be controlled.” Dr. Tedros said.

In the last 674 years, eight major epidemics have been experienced in the world. The most current one is the HIV/AIDS pandemic 2005 to 2012.  In total over 40 million people have been killed in these pandemics.

Currently, there are more than 121,564 coronavirus cases worldwide. The virus has killed at least 4,373 people across the globe, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

He said to help manage the virus, individuals must take care not to stock up on supplies such as masks and gloves that are needed by healthcare workers. Additionally, hospitals must find ways to increase capacity, prepare labs, train workers and innovate.

Each individual and leader has a responsibility to help slow the spread of the virus, Ghebreyesus explained. “This is not just a public health crisis, it is a crisis that will touch every sector – so every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight.”

In Africa, there are now more than 100 cases recorded in 12 countries in Africa, according to the latest figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) with the latest being reported in the neighboring DRC and Ivory Coast.

Egypt remains the nation with the most reported cases with 59, more than half of all confirmed cases on the continent.

In Uganda, the ministry has among other measures taken encouraged the public to stay away from mass gatherings, wash hands regularly,avoid handshakes, avoid hugs, self-quarantine when presented with signs of flu and cough.