COVID-19: Is the viral spread spiralling out of control?

This week marks a pivotal point in the spread of the COVID-19 virus. While countries such as South Korea, Japan and Italy have seen exponential increase in confirmed cases, many countries in the European and Middle Eastern regions are seeing their first cases of the COVID-19 virus. 

24 February, Monday

• Bahrain: The Ministry of Health confirmed the country’s first case of COVID-19. A Bahraini national was diagnosed with the disease upon return from Iran.
• Kuwait: The Ministry of Health confirmed three cases of viral infection. The three cases were among the people evacuated from Iran.
• Oman: The Ministry of Health confirmed the country’s first two cases of COVID-19. The two Omani women who were diagnosed had travel histories to Iran.
• Afghanistan: Health officials confirmed the first virus case in Herat. The infected individual had reportedly visited Iran.
• Iraq: The Najaf Health Department confirmed the first COVID-19 case of the country. The infected individual had travel history to Iran.

25 February, Tuesday

• Switzerland: Authorities confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Ticino canton. The diagnosed man had recent travel history to Milan, Italy.
• Austria: Health officials confirmed the first two cases of viral infection in Tyrol. Both infected individuals were diagnosed upon their return from Lombardy, Italy.
• Croatia: Health officials confirmed the first case in Zagreb. The infected individual had recently visited Italy.
• Romania: Romania’s Health Ministry confirmed the country’s first case of COVID-19. The infected individual had recently visited Italy.

26 February, Wednesday

• Greece: The Ministry of Health confirmed the country’s first case of COVID-19. A Greek woman was diagnosed upon her return from northern Italy.
• North Macedonia: Health officials confirmed the country’s first case of viral infection. A Macedonian national was infected after travelling to Italy.
• Georgia: Health officials confirmed the country’s first case of viral infection. A Georgian national was diagnosed after returning from Iran.
• Norway: Norwegian government officials confirmed the country’s first case of COVID-19. The infected individual recently returned from China.
• Pakistan: Health officials confirmed the country’s first two viral infection cases. One of the two infected patients had recently travelled to Karachi, Iran where he was tested positive.
• Brazil: Authorities confirmed the first case in the country. The patient had recently visited northern Italy.

27 February, Thursday

• Denmark: Authorities confirmed the country’s first case of COVID-19. The infected individual had recently returned from Italy.
• Estonia: Health officials confirmed the first case in the country. The infected individual is an Iranian national residing in Estonia.
• Netherlands: Health officials confirmed the country’s first case of COVID-19. A Dutch national with travel history to Italy was tested positive.

These are the countries which have just confirmed their first cases of the COVID-19 virus this week.As further international spread is anticipated, countries are stepping up efforts to curb the spread of the virus and restricting inbound and outbound travel.

Also read: COVID-19: Countries Issue Travel Advisories For Singapore