WHO calls coronavirus a pandemic as cases soar

Tedros says 120,000 people infected in 120 countries and regions

Director-General of the WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has designated the new coronavirus as a pandemic. © Reuters

RINTARO HOSOKAWA, Nikkei staff writer

March 12, 2020 02:59 JST

Updated on March 12, 2020 07:09 JST

GENEVA -- The new coronavirus outbreak is now a pandemic, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, marking the first such categorization in 11 years.

In a news conference, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that over 120,000 people have been infected in around 120 countries and regions to date.