London: Countries should be "in a phase of preparedness" WHO says in context to the alarming health situation prevailing due to the outbreak of Coronavirus.

The World Health Organisation said it is too early to call coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, but the world should be prepared for such an eventuality.  As an infectious Virus spreads easily from person to another in various parts of the world, BBC reports on Monday.

The virus causes respiratory disease Covid-19, and continues to emerge countries like in South Korea, Italy and Iran. Till now over 1,200 cases have been confirmed in 30 countries and have more than 20 deaths. Italy reported three more deaths on Monday, raising the total there to six.

Stock markets worldwide saw sharp falls due to the situation. China postponed National People's Congress next month, to "continue the efforts" against the coronavirus