World Health Organization declares global emergency as Coronavirus continues to spread
Update Jan. 30, 2020, 3:40 p.m.:
The rapid spread of a deadly coronavirus-type disease has forced the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Committee to declare a global emergency, which is not something that happens often. This global emergency marks W.H.O.'s sixth declaration ever as it is reserved for "extraordinary events" that pose a public health risk by threatening to spread internationally. Currently, the virus has spread to 20 countries across the world, covering four of the seven continents.
The coronavirus outbreak has now surpassed the SARS outbreak of 2003 with nearly 8,000 cases confirmed and 170 people dead. Just yesterday, Jan 29., it was reported that 5,327 people in mainland China had been infected and 132 had died — that's an increase of nearly 45% infected and 29% dead in less than 24-hours.
We've also learned the United States has seen its first case of human-to-human transmission. It happened in Chicago. The patient is reportedly the husband of a woman who was the first reported case in Illinois.
Related: What a coronavirus outbreak means for travelers?
There are still only five confirmed cases in the United States of the coronavirus strain although 92 patients are still pending confirmation.
Airlines around the globe have started to cancel and reduce service to China, with many countries sending in special flights to evacuate foreign diplomats and residents. Even cruise ships have rerouted trips.
The strain of the virus can be transmitted from human to human contact, which is why this outbreak is so deadly. Airports around the world are taking precautions with over 20 U.S. airports implementing coronavirus screening and quarantine stations since Dec. 31.
Jan. 22, 2020
Major news out of Wuhan, China, where we've been reporting on a novel viral outbreak.
Chinese authorities have just issued an order to quarantine the city with just a few hours notice. All transportation into and out of the city will be virtually shut down.
"Starting Jan. 23 at 10 a.m., all public buses, subway, ships, and long distance trains will halt operations without specific directions, Wuhan residents should stay within the region. All airports, train stations, and tracks are temporarily closed to outbound traffic. They will announce when normal service resumes."
The Wuhan City Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters issued a notice at 1:19 p.m. EST (2:19 a.m. local time) on Jan. 22. China Daily shared the news shortly after.
Wuhan is the Hubei provinces largest city, which means that the order impacts over 11 million people.
The Coronavirus type disease has killed 17 people as of late Wednesday and more than 500 people have been sickened across six countries, including the United States.
Government and health officials have been especially worried about the spread of this deadly disease as the outbreak occurred right before the Lunar New Year, one of the most popular holidays for travel in China. There has also been the worry of the virus causing a global outbreak much like the SARS outbreak in 2003.
Given that a majority of the cases have been in Wuhan, the decision to shut down the city while officials work on containing the virus may help slow the spread of the disease.
We'll continue to update this developing story.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.