International Globalization and Spreading of Novel Coronavirus 2019 Infection: How Far and Fast? A Medical Logistics Assessment

Novel coronavirus 2019 infection, officially known as COVID‑19, is a new emerging disease first reported from China.[1] It is caused by a new virus, namely, SARS‑CoV‑2. Till now, the identity of the first patient with the disease or patient zero is still unknown but it is believed to be one from China. Understanding patient zero is difficult but useful for an illustration of geographical spread of the disease. From China, coronavirus infection has spread to several countries, starting from Thailand, and has become an important public health concern globally.[2] The migration of the disease by international communication has become an important consideration. After importation of the disease, it can further spread internally in the destination country[3] and there is also a possibility that the disease can further spread to the other countries.[4] The disease trail is complex and this is linked to the chance that the worldwide pandemic can occur. The medical logistics assessment is a useful tool to track the disease transfer trails. Based on the logistics assessment, the information on disease migration pattern (both time and place dimensions) can be better understood.