The World Health Organisation, WHO, chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has noted that “Whether coronavirus is now pandemic or not, the rule of the game is the same: never give up”

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva that “it would be the first pandemic in history that can be controlled,” he said. “We are not at the mercy of the virus, ” stressing that “even if we call it a pandemic, still we can contain it and control it.

The WHO Chief added that the spread of the coronavirus is frightening and we have never before seen a pandemic sparked by a coronavirus.

“The spread and severity of the deadly new coronavirus, which has infected more than 110,000 people and killed more than 4,000, is “alarming”.

He said 79 countries had registered fewer than 100 cases, and more than half of those had seen fewer than 10 infections.

At the same time, in China, where more than 80,000 cases have been recorded since the outbreak began there in December, the country appears to be “bringing the epidemic under control,” Tedros said.

“More than 70 percent have recovered and have been discharged,” he pointed out.

As for the word pandemic, “I am not worried about the word, I am more worried about what the world’s reaction to the word will be,” he told reporters.

Tedros also slammed those who might suggest simply letting the virus run its course, pointing out that for the elderly and weak especially “it is very fatal.”

“Pandemic doesn’t mean that we say it is fine to live with it… we can contain it,” he said.

“Pandemic” is not an official WHO term, and it does not trigger any specific actions. WHO has already put out its highest level of alert saying the world is at “high risk.