The World Health Organization (WHO) on 22nd January night extended to 23rd January its emergency talks on whether the novel coronavirus outbreak in China constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

"There was an excellent discussion during the meeting today, but it was also clear that to proceed, we need more information," said WHO Director-General at a press conference after a closed-door meeting of an Emergency Committee, the Xinhua news agency reported. "For that reason, I have decided to ask the Emergency Committee to meet again tomorrow to continue the discussion," he added. "The decision about whether or not to declare a public health emergency of international concern is one I take extremely seriously, and one I am only prepared to make with appropriate consideration of all the evidence," the WHO chief noted.

He said he was very impressed by the detail and depth of China's presentation of the situation of the novel coronavirus outbreak. He also appreciated the cooperation of the Head of China's National Health Commission, who he had spoken with directly during the last few days and weeks. The intervention of the Chinese leadership, said the WHO chief, has been invaluable.

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