World Health Organisation declares Coronavirus a pandemic

The World Health Organisation has declared Coronavirus a pandemic.

Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: "Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.

The news comes days after the Channel Islands' first cases were detected one in Guernsey and one in Jersey.

Both Jersey and Guernsey's governments have launched telephone lines and online pages to keep islanders up to date on the latest developments.

In the UK recorded its largest day-to-day increase as 456 people have tested positive for the virus.

UK cases have more than doubled in just four days, as Ireland reported its first death from the virus.

The World Health Organisation has declared Coronavirus a pandemic. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Anyone who develops symptoms, such as a fever, dry cough and shortness of breath, should not visit their GP or the Emergency Department and instead should phone one of the helplines below and self-isolate.

Any islander who feels very unwell should call 999 and inform the operator of their symptoms and travel history.

JERSEY

  • Call 01534 445566 - the lines are open between 8.30am and 11pm seven days a week.

  • Travel advice and information is available here.

GUERNSEY

  • Call 01481 756938 / 01481 756969

  • Travel advice and information on the status of Coronavirus tests is available here.

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