WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)?
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause a range of illnesses from the common cold to severe diseases such as MERS, and SARS. In December 2019, a new coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, China, and in February, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed an official name for the disease: COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a different strain than other respiratory viruses and information about it is evolving.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
The CDC recommends simple, everyday preventative actions to help curb the spread of respiratory viruses.
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 aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The federal government has created specialty web pages to offer guidance on issues related to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
OSHA (preventing exposures to and infection with coronavirus)
WHO (pandemic preparedness)
