Heard About the New Coronavirus from China?

UPDATE: Since the time of this post, the number of cases, deaths, and countries affected has increased. For the latest numbers, please visit this website which provides a tracker with up to date information about where the virus has spread to and how many people have been affected.

A new coronavirus called COVID-19 was discovered in China in December 2019 and has spread around the world.

Here’s what you need to know:

COVID-19 is a coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they live in animals and can spread to people
It seems to have started in a wholesale seafood market in Wuhan, China but it is now spreading from person to person
COVID-19 spreads between people through microscopic droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets can travel up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) so if someone is standing near an infected person when the droplets come out, they can inhale the droplets directly into their lungs. Also, these droplets can fall on a surface or object that will then become contaminated. If a healthy person touches that contaminated surface, they can transmit the virus from their hands to the vulnerable parts of their face (eyes, nose, or mouth) where the virus will enter and make its way to the lungs
In humans COVID-19 causes symptoms similar to a cold or flu: fever, cough, and difficulty breathing are most common. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, body aches, fatigue, and in some cases loss of smell and loss of taste
From the time someone is exposed and infected, it can take up to 2 weeks before symptoms show (a 14 day incubation period)
For people with weakened immune systems and the elderly the virus can cause serious respiratory tract illness like pneumonia or bronchitis
It’s in same family as the SARS virus that caused a global outbreak in 37 countries from 2002-2003
There is no cure or vaccine

How can you protect yourself?

Frequently wash your hands with liquid soap and clean running water or use an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer (for at least 20 seconds)
Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth)
Be mindful of the surfaces you touch
Clean and disinfect your environment and frequently touched objects/surfaces
Avoid close contact with sick people
Ensure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet (with lots of fruits and vegetables) and sleeping well to boost your immune system
If you need to cough or sneeze, do so into your inner elbow or into a disposable tissue – do not use your hands
Practice social distancing (reduce close contact with others, postpone events and in-person meetings)