The outbreak of the new coronavirus that started in the Chinese city of Wuhan has mobilized medical efforts around the world. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” on Thursday. By Friday, the disease had killed more than 200 people in China and infected thousands. The fast-spreading virus, which first appeared in central China in December, has been confirmed in more than 20 countries and territories. The list includes Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. But countries outside of Asia, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, Britain and France, have reported confirmed cases. Most of those who have been infected in other countries had recently visited Wuhan. China has barred travel from Wuhan and other cities in central Hubei province. The ban places a partial quarantine on more than 50 million people.

What does quarantine mean?
infect more people
exposed to a disease
isolate from others
public health emergency
Where did the outbreak start?
Canada
China
around the world
a local hospital
The outbreak is a public health emergency.
emergency
situation
declaration
quarantine