The coronavirus has gone global.
At the moment, 2,900 people around the world have been infected. Up to 81 people have now died. Chinese hospitals have been “overwhelmed.” Public transportation is being closed down to prevent the spread. Lunar New Year celebrations have been canceled.
Multiple cases have now been spotted in Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, France and the United States. Nepal has confirmed one case. Cambodia confirmed its first case, too.
The virus has also made its way to the U.S.
In fact, the CDC just confirmed the fifth case in the U.S. – a patient in Arizona who recently traveled to Wuhan, China.
“CDC believes the immediate risk to the U.S. public is low at this time, but the situation is evolving rapidly,” Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said, as quoted by CNBC, adding that there is likely to be more cases in coming days. “We have our best people working on this problem.”
According to Senator Schumer, “All CDC has to do is declare the coronavirus an emergency and that will spring up to $85 million that’s immediately available… to prevent the spread,” per a tweet from The Hill.
World Health Organization’s (WHO) director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is reportedly traveling to China to collect more data before declaring a public health emergency.
Three Top Coronavirus Stocks
Alpha Pro Tech (APT), which manufacturers masks and protective clothing, has seen its share price rocket from $3.60 to $7.75 in recent days.
Inovio Pharmaceuticals (INO) is also still gaining traction after receiving a grant of up to $9 million from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus. Maxim Group analysts reiterated a buy rating on the stock with a near-term price target of $6. INO stock has run from $43 to $5.44.
Biocryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX) is evaluating galidesivir that could potentially treat the coronavirus. Shares of BCRX have run slightly from $2.82 to $3.11 so far.
