This page brings together information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that was first reported in Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019. Please visit this page for daily updates. WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.
Coronavirus global health emergency: Coverage from UN News
World Health Day
Video message by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on World Health Day 2020 (7 April)
My message today is to our health care workers -- the nurses, midwives, technicians, paramedics, pharmacists, doctors, drivers, cleaners, administrators and many others -- who work, day and night to keep us safe.
Today, we are more deeply grateful than ever to all of you, as you work, round the clock, putting yourselves at risk, to fight the ravages of this pandemic.
Lady Gaga curating global event to boost healthcare workers on coronavirus front line
The World Health Organization (WHO) has teamed up with international advocacy organization Global Citizen, to launch ‘One World Together At Home”, a global television and streaming special, curated by superstar singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, to celebrate frontline health care workers around the globe in their unrelenting battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
International sport day moves indoors, with plea to stay active during self-isolation
Running tracks, gyms and swimming pools may be closed, as part of government-imposed lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is more important than ever to remain physically active. This is the message on this year’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
Staying fit indoors: a paralympian’s perspective
Keeping fit is an important way to cope with the self-isolation measures imposed by many governments, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. But how are elite athletes coping with being stuck indoors?
On the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Conor Lennon spoke to Brad Snyder, a multiple medal-winner with the US Paralympic team.
When they spoke, Conor asked Brad about the importance of sport and exercise for everyone currently stuck inside for most of the day.
How can the world counter COVID-19 online? UN issues hackers’ challenge to CodeTheCurve
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is inviting young innovators, data scientists and designers throughout the world – especially those whose schools have closed due to COVID-19 - to join a month-long hackathon to come up with digital solutions to the global pandemic.
Rights experts warn against discrimination in COVID-19 response
Fearing a needless increase in COVID-19 deaths due to discrimination, UN independent human rights experts on Monday called for Governments to commit to racial equity and equality in their response to the pandemic.
UN backs global action to end violence against women and girls amid COVID-19 crisis
The United Nations is advocating immediate global action to end all forms of violence against women and girls in the midst of a global upsurge related to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world.