'Time to double down' - New closures, updates and ways to to keep yourself safe

As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, here are some of the latest headlines, resources and stories to help you arm yourself with the best information.

1. It’s time to double down: WHO Director General

A day after declaring the virus a pandemic, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed at a briefing Thursday that fighting the virus was more important than ever.

In that moment, he said, there were still 77 countries and territories with no reported coronavirus cases. Further more, he said, 55 countries and territories had reported 10 cases or less. Countries cannot give up on fundamental public health measures and must take key measures to stop the spread. Said the Director-General, “It’s time to double down.”

And the world took that message to heart. Thursday, Broadway theaters went dark, Mount Everest was shut down, the Vancouver Auto Show was cancelled, and Disneyland closed its flagship California park. Read more here.

2. Stalking coronavirus stats? Keep this in mind

Researchers from the University of Oregon are polling a pool of 1,300 respondents on how they feel about coronavirus in real time. So far, researchers have seen a connection between digging into statistics and believing the worst. In a column for the New York Times, one of the researchers explained the importance of keeping information in perspective explaining that even in Hubei, one of the hardest hit areas in China, only 11 % of people were infected. Her message? Be informed, but don't panic. Read more here.

3. Keeping the elderly safe

The elderly are especially vulnerable to coronavirus and nearly all the deaths so far in Washington State were linked to nursing care facilities. If you’re looking to keep your older relatives safe, especially those in facilities, consider limiting your in-person visits, suggested the chief medical officer for AARP in Stat. Instead, consider phone calls, letters and deliveries to ensure your loved one feels connected but remains safe from infection. For more, read here.

4. How the coronavirus market turmoil could differ from the 2008 recession
A prolonged pandemic might bring fundamental changes to both societal behaviors and businesses, according to Han Yik, the Head of Institutional Investors at the World Economic Forum. This has the potential to lengthen the economic recovery time for an even longer period than seen after the 2008 recession. To learn more, read here.

5. How China slowed infection rates: A lesson for other countries

China controlled the virus in a number of ways. First, it placed Wuhan and 15 other cities in the Hubei province under strict quarantine. Later, it closed schools and public transport and drafted health workers from across China. The lockdown, one that would eventually impact more than 50 million people, helped slow the spread of the virus. This week, officials said infections were “basically curbed” in some of the hardest hit areas. Learn more here.

6. Gloves won’t protect you