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
COVID-19: Actors Idris and Sabrina Elba launch new UN fund for rural farmers
A new global coronavirus relief fund launched on Monday by actor, filmmaker and humanitarian Idris Elba and actress, model and activist Sabrina Dhowre Elba on behalf of the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on farmers and rural communities in developing countries.
Displaced and stateless women and girls face heightened risk of violence amid coronavirus pandemic
As COVID-19 continues to take lives and change communities around the world, the virus is also creating massive protection risks for women and girls forced to flee their homes, a top official at the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Monday, stressing that global protection staff are on high alert and adapting life-saving support programmes for those subjected to violence.
Onset of COVID-19 pandemic boosts support for international cooperation
Initial results of a UN initiative to help decide the future direction of the Organization have revealed overwhelming support for international cooperation, which has grown significantly since COVID-19 began spreading around the world.
COVID-19: ‘Phased process’ for lifting restrictions is key, WHO chief urges G20
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) told a virtual meeting of the G20 leading global economies on Sunday that although it was encouraging for some countries to be planning to ease lockdowns against COVID-19, “it is critical that these measures are a phased process”.
UN staff step-up and step-in to support front line heroes battling COVID-19 in New York
A devastating surge in coronavirus cases over the past few weeks in New York City, the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, has prompted United Nations staff to stand in solidarity with their host city, by stepping up support for healthcare workers and others on the front line.
Music, talent and hope, unite millions across the world online in support of coronavirus workers
This weekend’s One World: Together At Home event, saw many of the biggest names in music join the UN health agency and Global Citizen movement in supporting the millions of healthcare and other front line workers who are helping stave off the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tough times for tourism, but UN travel organization predicts holiday traffic will return
Tourism may have been brought to a near-standstill by COVID-19, but the industry – which accounts for 10 per cent of global GDP – finds itself in a unique position to help put the global economy back on its feet, once the pandemic has passed.
Lady Gaga promises star-studded ‘love letter to the world’ amidst global pain of COVID-19 pandemic
This weekend’s “One World: Together At Home” virtual global special will be a “love letter to the world” and a salute to health workers on the front lines of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, pop superstar Lady Gaga said on Friday.
COVID-19: Rights experts highlight LGBTI discrimination, antisemitism
New guidance from the UN human rights office, issued on Friday, sets out key actions to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people against discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
US must improve COVID-19 strategy to keep tens of millions from falling into poverty, urges rights expert
The United States must take urgent additional steps to prevent tens of millions of middle-class Americans hit by the COVID-19 pandemic from being “plunged into poverty”, according to an independent UN human rights expert.