Editor's note: The COVID-19 outbreak has captured the attention of the world. Why has it attracted so much more attention than deadly seasonal flu in the U.S., is the virus being contained effectively, and why has it sparked discrimination in certain quarters? Kee Park, a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and also a consultant for the World Health Organization, shares his views with CGTN. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In comparison with the American flu, why does the world seem more worried about the COVID-19 outbreak in China?

You correctly pointed out that the seasonal flu is much more prevalent and causes a lot more deaths than COVID-19, maybe ever will. In the U.S. last year, I think that 34,000 Americans died from the seasonal flu alone. It's a massive number, but it seems we get a lot of media attention on the COVID-19. I think mainly because it's so new. People tend to have a lot more fear on things that we just don't understand. And I think that's what's fueling this kind of frenzy and fear. We have to just take a step back and look everything in perspective, and say practice good hand hygiene, good public health, sanitation practices, disinfectants and things like that. It will end at some point. It is scary because it's so new, but we will get over this. 

When you say China can get over it, where does this confidence come from?

If you look at all the pandemics, eventually they get contained, isolated and the new numbers start to come down. And it looks like even in China, within the Hubei Province, the number of new cases is starting to plateau, which is a good sign.

SARS in 2003 was over, probably in a matter of months. I can't tell you what's going to happen with COVID-19, but if you look at the parameters, its contagiousness, and its case fatality rate, why wouldn't it stop in a few months like all the other epidemics? This is not quite a pandemic, because it's been controlled to a region. But all these epidemics have come to an end over some time.

How do you view China's efforts in controlling the spread of the coronavirus?

I would have to concur with the Dr. Tedros, director-general of WHO, in his assessment of China's response to COVID-19, which is very positive. China has mobilized the entire country and prioritized to control this to the best of their abilities. I don't quite understand criticism. I think any country could be criticized for not doing enough.

Chinese government has mounted an all-out campaign to try to contain the virus, at least trying to prevent it from leaving the epicenter. I think it is very responsible and at a very high cost to the people within the Hubei region.

The Chinese government, they've shared the genetic sequencing right away. And then they built two hospitals within a week or 10 days. That's incredible.

My heart goes out for the people that still have to stay within the province and the city of Wuhan. I think it's time for us to try to help them and understand, and try to empathize. And this kind of viral outbreak and threat should really bring people together.

Since the outbreak, there has been a rise in racist incidents against the Chinese people, even Asian people, around the world. What's your take on such discrimination?

I'm disappointed, but not surprised. This is human nature when fear starts to take over. I think it's important to see the COVID-19 in perspective. Not let the news and these kinds of fear-mongering type of reports take over and let's focus on showcasing the use of cooperation and solidarity. The media need to do a better job of showing how we need to come together and focus on the positive aspects of coming together to fight this common enemy. And then really hopefully that will minimize these fears that feed this kind of racism.

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