US spy agencies monitoring coronavirus outbreak; concerned about India: Report
Intelligence agencies of the United States have reportedly been monitoring the global spread of the coronavirus and bear concerns about India's ability to tackle the outbreak. The spy agencies are also reportedly concerned about Iran, whose Deputy Health Minister has tested positive for the virus. India has thus far managed to contain the virus, with the three infected patients reported in Kerala discharged.
India's dense population heightens concerns about viral spread
Sources told Reuters on Thursday that US intelligence agencies have been keeping a close check on the coronavirus outbreak globally and the ability of nations to respond to the spread of the virus. Quoting a source, Reuters reported that the agencies have concerns about India's available countermeasures to the virus, especially given the dense population which could worsen the outbreak.
India witnessed only 3 coronavirus cases; all recovered
Thus far, India has observed only three confirmed cases of coronavirus infection, all in Kerala —one in Thrissur, one in Alappuzha and another in Kasaragod. By last week, all three patients had recovered and had been discharged from hospitals.
What is the coronavirus outbreak?
The current viral outbreak involves a new strain of coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2. The virus was first detected in China's Wuhan mid-December and has since spread to at least 30 other countries. The disease caused by the virus, called COVID-19, impacts a host's respiratory system and causes flu-like symptoms. The disease has killed 2,858 people (mostly in mainland China) and sickened over 83,000 globally.
Iran has minimal capabilities to tackle coronavirus: Government sources
According to Reuters, the US spy agencies are also concerned about Iran, where the virus has killed 26 people and sickened over 270. US government sources told the publication that Iran only has minimal capabilities to tackle the outbreak. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that they were "deeply concerned" that Iran may have covered up details about the viral spread.
US panel receiving daily updates from intelligence agencies
An official of the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee told Reuters, "The Committee has received a briefing from the IC (intelligence community) on coronavirus, and continues to receive updates on the outbreak on a daily basis." The official said, "Addressing the threat has both national security and economic dimensions, requiring a concerted government-wide effort," adding that the IC is playing an important role.
Spy agencies using informants, electronic devices to track virus impact
Reportedly, at the moment, the US intelligence agencies are only monitoring the coronavirus spread and the responses of governments globally. One source familiar with the matter told Reuters that the agencies are using undercover informants, electronic eavesdropping tools, etc., to track the epidemic. Within the US, they are working with health agencies, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and sharing the information collected.
