Coronavirus is continuing its spread across the world, with more than three million confirmed cases in more than 185 countries. More than 20,000 people have lost their lives. The United States alone has more than one million confirmed cases- five times more than in other countries. The series of maps and charts track the global outbreak of the virus since it emerged in China in December last year. The infection which causes respiratory infection COVID-19 was first detected in the city of Wuhan, China in late 2019. The outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on March 11. More than three million people are known to have been infected worldwide, but the true figure is thought to be much higher since many of those with milder symptoms have not been tested and counted. Globally, half of the world’s population has been living under social distancing measures.
While some regions are now starting to see confirmed cases and death rates fall following the strict lockdown instructions, others are only seeing them rise. The restrictions have had a big impact on the global economy, with the International Monetary Fund saying the world faces the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The UN Food Programme has also warned that pandemic could almost double the number of people suffering from acute hunger. Across Latin America, where many economies are struggling and million live on what they can earn day to day, there are concerns about the strain the growing number of cases could put on health care systems.
In this time of hardship, Northeastern University has continued to move forward by doubling down its mission of learning and discovery. The University’s steadfast belief is that the solution to the planet’s greatest challenge- including this one is the light of new knowledge. Today, Northeastern University has decided a series of prudent, responsible actions designed to ensure that it not only weathers the current crisis but emerges stronger and resilient. With every crisis comes opportunity. As the current crisis eventually subsidies, Northeastern will emerge stronger than ever.
Gurbani Gandhi