The COVID-19 outbreak is easing in China and slowing in South Korea, the primary hub of secondary transmissions. Yet cases are rising sharply in France, while Iran and Italy confront daily worsening conditions. The roster of impacted nations keeps expanding.
As covered by South West, President Emmanuel Macron called the epidemic "inexorable." On March 5, 2020 evening, France tallied 423 confirmed cases—138 more than the prior day—and 7 deaths (+3). Now affecting every region, the virus demands urgent action to block new introductions before curbing spread, per the Head of State.
We recently examined stage 3 implications. Though not yet reached, infectious disease expert Prof. Jean-François Delfraissy forecasts it within a few days to a week. He joined a pivotal meeting on advancing from stage 2 to 3.
RTL Info reports Italy with 3,858 cases and 148 deaths; 41 new fatalities in 24 hours, offset by 414 recoveries. Heightened containment and hospital strains fuel nationwide anxiety.
Iran, at 3,513 cases and 107 deaths, edges toward panic. Amid talk of a potential mutation—as noted by Courrier International—schools and universities will close for a month. With Persian New Year on March 19 prompting family travels, officials warn against journeys.
Per La Croix, South Korea has "declared war" on COVID-19, with over 6,000 cases and roughly 40 deaths as of March 5, 2020. High alert prompts national mobilization: expanded testing, mask supplies, and army-led disinfection in hotspots like Daegu, tied to the Sincheonji Church cluster.
The virus spreads unchecked. Beyond Italy and France, Europe sees Germany (349 cases), Spain (200, 1 death), and UK (115, first death). The US reports 145 cases, 10 deaths. New additions: Portugal, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Slovenia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Armenia, Jordan, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia.
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