WHO says "speed is everything" as virus spreads in Europe, the Middle East and Asia The World Health Organization warns countries to be ready for a "potential pandemic" as new deaths and infections in Europe, the Middle East and Asia triggered more drastic efforts to contain the new coronavirus. Bruce Aylward, leader of a joint WHO-China mission of experts, said "speed is everything" and that the measures China implemented have prevented the infections of hundreds of thousands of people. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES