Officials at the World Health Organization said Monday that of about 80,000 people who have been sickened by COVID-19 in China, more than 70 percent have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.

Patients are typically released when they test negative twice for the virus within 24 hours, meaning they’re no longer carrying the virus, although some countries may be using a slightly different definition, which may include when people have no more respiratory symptoms or a clear CT scan.

The World Health Organization said it could take considerably longer for people to be “recovered,” depending on the severity of the disease.

Dr. Mike Ryan, the World Health Organization's emergencies chief, said it can take up to six weeks for people to fully recover from COVID-19 infections, which could include pneumonia and other respiratory problems in serious cases. He said the numbers of reported patients have not always been systematically provided to World Health Organization although the U.N. health agency is asking every country with cases for further information.

Share:
More In Culture
The Walk and Talk: Metropolitan Riveters
Digit Murphy, President of the professional women's ice hockey team Metropolitan Riveters, joins Cheddar News' Hena Doba on a walk and talk to talk about how she's re-imagining the hockey experience for fans and players, and why it's critical to invest in women's sports.
Creed III Debut Wallops Competition at the Box Office
Creed III knocked out its competition at the box office this weekend and became the reigning champ of its own franchise, beating out its two predecessors and pulling off the highest ever debut for a sports movie.
Load More