January 31st, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Developments in the coronavirus crisis have escalated rapidly, with U.S. officials declaring the outbreak a public health emergency on Friday, following the World Health Organization characterizing the virus’s spread as a growing risk to global economies.

The U.S.’s warning came a day after it issued a travel advisory to China, and as multiple airlines have sharply curtailed or suspended flights to the world’s second largest economy — which is reeling as the death toll spikes to over 200 amid more than 9,800 infections. In addition, the U.S. also slapped mandatory travel and quarantine restrictions on Americans and foreign nationals that have recently visited China.

On Friday, United Air (UAL), American Airlines (AAL) and Delta (DAL) all announced plans to suspend all U.S.-China flights starting next week.

Locally the Allegany County Health Department provides complete information on the virus and the latest developments on its website. Apparently there has been no discussion of the issue at the board of education level.