& to update and compare:
The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has surpassed that of the previous Sars epidemic, which spread to more than two dozen countries in 2003.
There were around 8,100 cases of Sars - severe acute respiratory syndrome - reported during that outbreak.
But at least 9,962 people have been infected with the new coronavirus, so far.
However;
The number of deaths stands at 213 - all in China. That is far lower than the 774 people killed by Sars.
The Sars virus, which was also a type of coronavirus that originated in China, spread to 26 countries in the early 2000s.
Current coronavirus variant has only reached 18 to date though.
Early days yet, but given the dismal failure to lock down international travel immediately, this is looking like it'll surpass it's predecessor by a very long way.
& if it manages to get a toehold somewhere with low flu immunity and naff all medical facilities, well ......
We should have a better idea in a week or two.