The current outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), was first reported from Wuhan, China on December 31st, 2019. It is a respiratory disease that spreads from person to person. The risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19, for example, healthcare workers, or household members. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21st, 2020. Although it didn’t seem so serious initially, many people think this will become a pandemic. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Coronavirus disease:
1. How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads from person to person. It is spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another within around 6 feet mostly through an infected person’s coughs or sneezes. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but most experts say that this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
2. What are some symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Mild or Severe Respiratory Diseases
3. How can I protect myself?
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If you don’t have soap and water at your nearest disposal, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
On March 5th, 2020, there have been a total of 99 cases of COVID-19, 10 total deaths, and the number of states reporting the disease is 13 states.
The more information you have, the safer you will be. Use this information to protect yourself.