WHO convenes experts to discuss coronavirus response

Today and tomorrow, the WHO is holding a conference for public health experts and researchers to discuss the response to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak. More than 400 people have registered for the conference, according to WHO officials, many of whom are joining in virtually. Although response efforts have been underway for a while, “[B]ringing everybody together I think will give us a leapfrog moment in terms of coherence, priority setting, and then setting that road map so we all travel that road together in the coming months,” Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s emergencies program, told reporters. One priority, Ryan shared, will be developing serology tests so that officials can assess not only those who have more serious illness, but also possibly missed milder cases. The outbreak has thus far infected more than 43,000 people and 1,019 have died.