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1. What is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus with origins from bats. The disease, abbreviated COVID-19, is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. This novel coronavirus strain is capable of causing more severe respiratory disease than previously circulating coronaviruses. Due to the severity of the disease caused by COVID-19 new recommendations for screening and isolation of these patients are recommended.

2. How is COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 is spread:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
• Person-to-person - the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person
• Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects
  • 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 this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes - these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs

3. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Other flu-like symptoms (sore throat, runny nose)

4. How can I help protect myself?

There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:

• 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 soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.