Coronavirus: Medics are putting themselves in harm’s way to stop global pandemic – Angus Robertson

The spread of coronavirus suggests it could become even more worrying, writes Angus Robertson.

Coronavirus has spread to a number of countries around the world (Picture: Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images)

Concerns are growing that the international spread of coronavirus raises the prospects of a pandemic.

Public health officials are working around the clock to manage the risks and reduce the prospects of uncontrolled spread.

With growing cases in Italy, Iran and South Korea, there are fears that the virus could reach an altogether more worrying level of transmission, where it might eventually overwhelm health systems and become uncontrolled.

In Europe, the biggest outbreak is in Italy, where more than 165 people have been infected and the death toll has now reached five. Dramatic measures have been taken in the northern regions of Veneto and Lombardy, where the outbreak is concentrated in a number of small towns.

In South Korea, more than 830 cases have now been confirmed in the biggest outbreak outside China where the virus epicentre is located. Eight people have died so far and quarantine restrictions are even impacting on members of the armed forces.

Neighbouring North Korea is quarantining hundreds of members of the international community.

In Iran, the virus is having the biggest impact in the holy city of Qom; 20 people have now died. It is the highest number of deaths outside China, where 77,000 people have been infected and 2,600 have died.

There have not yet been any cases of coronavirus in Scotland, but public health officials have warned that there may well be. As health professionals and the Scottish Government keep the situation under constant review and make the necessary preparations, let’s spare a thought for everyone around the world who is putting themselves in harm’s way to combat this deadly virus.