Before revision:  Since our simple model fits the available global data so well, we suggest that the measures being taken so far to contain the pandemic may be ineffective in curbing the global  spread of the virus .
After revision:  If current lock-down measures can be maintained, our model predicts power law growth from day 69 onward. Such growth is comparatively slow and would have to continue for several decades before a sufficient number of people (at least 23\% of the global spread of the virus .