World Health Organization classifies global coronavirus outbreak 'pandemic'

WHO's director general expects number of cases to 'climb even higher' in the coming weeks

Published: March 11, 2020 12:41pm

Updated: March 11, 2020 3:00pm

The World Health Organization on Wednesday classified the global coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic.

The number of cases worldwide has now surpassed 120,000. Cases in the United States passed the 1,000 threshold Wednesday morning. There are now 30 virus-related deaths in the U.S.

Congress is negotiating an economic stimulus package to help combat the losses in the financial markets as a result of the now-pandemic and to help those who will be impacted, including Americans who could lose wages or jobs.

The novel illness has spread to 114 countries, and global death toll is currently at 4,291.