Sunday, March 15, 2020

Coronavirus: A Worldwide Pandemic

During the End Times the Bible teaches that many pestilences (diseases) will occur. While there has been many diseases over the centuries that has killed many people, those occurred few and far between, ie: Black Plague, Bubonic Plague. The Spanish Flu, that struck over a hundred years ago [in 1918], killed between 20-50 million people within a couple of years. In comparison, the AIDS epidemic, which has spanned almost four decades has claimed over 36 million since 1981. While cancer has steadily decreased since the 1990s, other epidemics continue to linger or reappear, such as Measles, Chickenpox and Mumps. The Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, started around August of 2019 and has become a rapidly evolving situation around the world that is bringing countries to a standstill. Over 156,000 people have been infected and over 6,000 deaths have been reported worldwide in just seven months and the numbers continue to climb in 2020. As of today, the following countries with more than 100 people infected are:

Country
Total Cases
Deaths
Country
Total Cases
Deaths
China
80,824
3,189
Greece
228
3
Italy
21,157
1,441
Finland
225

Iran
12,729
611
Bahrain
212

South Korea
8,086
72
Singapore
212

Spain
6,391
195
Israel
193

Germany
4,599
9
Czechia
189

France
4,469
91
Slovenia
181
1
United States
2,836
57
Portugal
169

Switzerland
1,375
13
Iceland
161

United Kingdom
1,140
21
Brazil
151

Norway
1,108
3
Hong Kong
142
4
Netherlands
961
2
Ireland
129
2
Denmark
827
1
Romania
123

Japan
804
22
Estonia
115

Diamond Princess Cruise Line
696
7
Philippines
111
8
Belgium
689
4
Iraq
110
10
Austria
655
1
Egypt
109
2
Qatar
337

Kuwait
104

Australia
248
3
Poland
103
3
Canada
247
1
Saudi Arabia
103

Malaysia
238

San Marino
101
5

While the numbers do not seem too overwhelming yet, the disease is in its early stages and many more will become infected as time goes on if a cure or treatment is not found soon. There are at least 119 countries and territories that have less than 100 cases invading their nations as of March, 2020, as well. This disease has definitely been classified as a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization and other global entities. 

Some other significant developments concerning COVID-19 as of March 15, 2020: 
  • A surge in Coronavirus patients is threatening to swamp U.S. hospitals, as Virginia, Louisiana and New York all reported their first coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday.
  • Ten U.S. service members have tested positive for the novel Coronavirus, along with one Defense Department civilian and two contractors, military officials said.
  • Coronavirus cases in Italy rose by roughly 20 percent Saturday, as the already hard-hit country saw its biggest daily increase yet.
  • Israel significantly tightened restrictions on social activity in the country Saturday, barring gatherings of more than 10 people.
  • President Trump said his administration was considering domestic travel restrictions for some hot spots.
  • The United States’ new travel rules for Britain and the U.K. bring the total number of U.S. travel-restricted countries in Europe to 28. 
  • England reported 10 new deaths.
  • Spain announces nationwide lockdown as Coronavirus cases surge.
  • United Arab Emirates suspends much of its hospitality and tourism industry due to the Coronavirus.
  • France announces closure of all nonessential businesses amid Coronavirus outbreak.
  • New York Archdiocese halts Mass as houses of worship across the country suspend services.
  • Restrictions increased in the Middle East to curb Coronavirus spread - Saudi Arabia suspended all international flights; Yemen has closed its airport; Syria has closed schools and universities, as well as suspended flights to and from their county; Iraqis protest incoming flights from Iran; Baghdad considers curfew; and, Lebanon has not only suspended flights, but have closed down restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
People are naturally scared, but the chaos that is ensuing is almost surreal … stocking up and fighting over bottled water, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and soap is unprecedented! The world is quickly spiraling out of control as the disease continues its rampage. The best way to combat the Coronavirus is to be vigilant with sanitizing and disinfecting, not only your homes and businesses, but handwashing often will help alleviate the problem.

This is only the beginning of what is to come during the End Times. Prepare accordingly.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be." ~ Matthew 24:21-22

Update: As of March 22, 2020, the number of Coronavirus cases has more than doubled around the world. Today, the numbers have exceeded 300,000. 


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