WHO: More than 70% of COVID-19 patients in China have recovered, been discharged

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a pharmacist processes the granules of... — In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a pharmacist processes the granules of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the Gansu Provincial Hospital of TCM in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Thursday Feb. 20, 2020. TCM has been widely applied in the treatment of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients in China. (Fan Peishen/Xinhua via AP) NO SALES(Fan Peishen | AP)

By WBTV Web Staff and Associated Press

Updated: Mar. 10, 2020 at 4:08 PM EDT

(WBTV/AP) - Officials at the World Health Organization said Monday that of about 80,000 people who have been sickened by COVID-19 in China, more than 70% have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.

“The great advantage we have is that the decisions we all make – as governments, businesses, communities, families & individuals – can influence the trajectory of this COVID-19 epidemic,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.

"Now that the #coronavirus has a foothold in so many countries, the threat of a pandemic has become very real.

But it would be the first pandemic in history that could be controlled.

The bottom line is: we are not at the mercy of this virus"-@DrTedros #COVID19
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 9, 2020

Patients are typically released when they test negative twice for the virus within 24 hours, meaning they’re no longer carrying the virus, although some countries may be using a slightly different definition, which may include when people have no more respiratory symptoms or a clear CT scan.

“We need to remember that with decisive, early action, we can slow down the coronavirus and prevent infections. Among those who are infected, most will recover,” said Dr. Ghebreyesus.

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The World Health Organization said it could take considerably longer for people to be “recovered,” depending on the severity of the disease.

While the globe focuses in on the new coronavorus, there are still concerns over the flu and... — While the globe focuses in on the new coronavorus, there are still concerns over the flu and even allergies as spring approaches.(DCC)

Dr. Ghebreyesus said the threat of a pandemic has become very real around the globe but this “would be the first pandemic in history that could be controlled.” He said we are not at the mercy of this virus.

RELATED: NC governor declares state of emergency amid coronavirus concerns

In North Carolina five more people have tested positive Monday for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), bringing the total number of positive cases in the state to seven.

Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for North Carolina amid coronavirus concerns Tuesday.

“Our most important work is keeping people healthy and safe," Cooper said.

All five of the new cases involve people who traveled to Boston in late February to attend a BioGen conference. Several cases of COVID-19 across the country have been tied to the conference.

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