There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4291 people have lost their lives.

Thousands more are fighting for their lives in hospitals.

In the days and weeks ahead, we expect to see the number of cases, the number of days and the number of affected countries climb even higher.

W H O has been assessing this outbreak around the clock, and we're deeply concerned both by the alarming levels, off spread and severity and by the alarm mean levels off in action.

We have therefore med.

The assessment that Cove ID 19 can be characterized as a pandemic pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly.

It's a word that, if misused, can coz unreasonable fear or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over leading toe unnecessary suffering and death.

Describing the situation as a pandemic doesn't know change.

W jizz assessment off the threat posed by the virus.

It doesn't change what w Joe is doing, and it doesn't change what countries should do.

We have never been before seeing a pandemic spark it by a Corona virus.

This is the first panda me coast by Corona virus, and we have never before seen a pandemic that can be controlled.

At the same time, W.

H O.

Has been in full response.

More scenes.

We were notified off the first cases, and we have called every day for countries to take urgent and aggressive action.

We have rang the alarm bell loud and clear.