HMM: No need for ‘blanket measures’ on virus: WHO. “The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday warned against ‘blanket measures’ over the novel coronavirus outbreak, pointing out the epidemic outside China was only affecting a ‘tiny’ proportion of the population. It also said that – with a mortality rate of around 2 per cent – Covid-19 was ‘less deadly’ than other coronaviruses such as Sars or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers). WHO officials rejected the suggestion that all cruises should be halted to avoid risking a new nest of infection like the one on the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess off Japan.”