More than 900,000 coronavirus cases confirmed worldwide

Much like swine flu, bird flu, and SARS (which was also caused by a coronavirus linked to a Chinese wet market), COVID-19 spread from animals to humans, starting with those who worked in or frequented the market. This is yet another reason why we should all be vegan.

The interconnected nature of our countries (which allowed this virus to spread so quickly) will ironically be the antidote to the disastrous economic implications we can expect. International trade is the accelerant that will get our economies moving again.

We in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly stand ready to assist national parliaments and work with governments in sharing best practices and ensuring that their essential services continue.

Coronavirus is currently tearing its way through the Western world. But the loss of life, destruction of the economy and paralysis of infrastructure will be exponentially worse in the developing world - and it could lead to a migrant crisis the likes of which Europe has never seen before.