This afternoon, the World Health Organization officially declared the novel coronavirus in Wuhan a global health emergency.

The U.N. health agency defines a global emergency as an “extraordinary event” that constitutes a risk to other countries and requires a co-ordinated international response.

🚨BREAKING🚨

"For all of these reasons, I am declaring a public health emergency of international concern over the global outbreak of #2019nCoV."-@DrTedros

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 30, 2020

As of today, China has reported more than 7800 cases of coronavirus, and the death toll has climbed to 170.

There are currently 98 cases in 18 countries outside of China, including 8 cases of human-to-human transmission — one of which was in Canada.

Confirmed coronavirus cases.

- China
- United States
- France
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Australia
- Nepal
- Vietnam
- Hong Kong
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Canada
- Cambodia
- Sri Lanka
- Germany
- UAE
- India
- Philippines
- Finland

— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) January 30, 2020

WHO Director Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus called the coronavirus an "unprecedented outbreak" with an "unprecedented response."

He added, "The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China, but because of what is happening in other countries."

"Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker healthcare systems, which are ill-prepared to deal with it."

Although a coronavirus vaccine is still in the initial stages of development, the United Nations has provided a chart with advice for how to prevent the spread of infection.

NEWS: #Coronavirus declared a public health emergency of international concern by @WHO.

Global outbreak includes 98 cases in 18 countries, outside China.

More info, including tips on how to stay healthy: https://t.co/tsGUhNhrv2 pic.twitter.com/ZDyTXeVXyg

— United Nations (@UN) January 30, 2020

WHO emphasized that although they can set global standards of practice, their recommendations are non-binding.

Canada is warning citizens not to travel to China at this time.