Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.  In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

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Protection measures for everyone

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills viruses.
• Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus.  If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
  Why? Droplets spread viruses. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect yourself and the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, calling in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
  Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
• Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places  – especially if you are elderly or have pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease.
  Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

COVID-19  can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth when a person with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land on objects and other surfaces. COVID-19 can spread by touching the infected objects or surfaces, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Illness due to the COVID-19 virus is generally mild, especially in children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness. 1 in every 5 who catch the virus need hospital care. It is normal to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect you and your loved ones.

keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.

The “incubation period” is the time elapsed between exposure to the virus and when symptoms and signs are first apparent.  The estimated incubation period for the COVID-19 virus is between 1-14 days, most commonly 5 days. These estimates will be updated as more information becomes available.

It is not certain how long the COVID-19 virus survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave similarly to other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces from a few hours up to several days. The period of time will vary under various conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

If you suspect a surface may be infected, clean it with a disinfectant. Wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face.

While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes)  appear to be at a higher risk than others.