Understanding the emerging coronavirus: what it means for health security and infection prevention

Abstract

The current outbreak (COVID-19) of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in China and the beginning of its subsequent global spread is already impacting global health systems and the global economy [1]. How countries and international organizations respond to the challenges it presents may have profound lasting impacts for global health. The decisions taken, both at national and international levels, will help to inform how we react to future pandemics and health security challenges.