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
On The Scene: Louis Armstrong House Museum
Legendary musician Louis Armstrong's many contributions to music and culture are on display at a museum built at his longtime Queens, New York residence. Regina Bain, executive director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum, joined Michelle Castillo and spoke with Cheddar News about the iconic trumpeter, the museum's background and history and displayed some historic artifacts from the musician's past.
Finances in a Grey Divorce
With several high-profile divorces of longtime powerful couples in the headlines recently, Cheddar News highlighted the importance of protecting your assets after splitting up. Correspondent Janice Lieberman explained how figuring out finances before signing those papers is a must.
Load More