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1question,answer,answer_html,link,name,source,category,country,region,city,lang,last_update2What is a novel coronavirus?,"A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.3A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.","<p>A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the <a href=""/coronavirus/types.html"">coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans</a> and cause mild illness, like the common cold.</p>5<p>A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.","6https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics,USA,,,en,2020/03/177"Why is the disease being called coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19?","On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.8There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) best practiceexternal icon for naming of new human infectious diseases.","<p>On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization <a href=\""https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1227297754499764230\"">announced</a> an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, 'CO' stands for 'corona,' 'VI' for 'virus,' and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as \""2019 novel coronavirus\"" or \""2019-nCoV\"".10There are <a href=\""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html\"">many types</a> of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) <a href=\""https://www.who.int/topics/infectious_diseases/naming-new-diseases/en/\"">best practice</a> for naming of new human infectious diseases.</p>","12https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics,USA,,,en,2020/03/1713Why might someone blame or avoid individuals and groups (create stigma) because of COVID-19?,"People in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who are living in or visiting areas where COVID-19 is spreading. Some people are worried about the disease. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine.14Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths.16Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.","<p>People in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who are living in or visiting areas where COVID-19 is spreading. Some people are worried about the disease. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine.</p>18<p>Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths.</p>19<p>Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.</p>","20https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics,USA,,,en,2020/03/1721How can people help stop stigma related to COVID-19?,"People can fight stigma and help, not hurt, others by providing social support. Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating the facts that viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups and how COVID-19 actually spreads can help stop stigma.","<p>People can fight stigma and help, not hurt, others by providing social support. Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating the facts that viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups and how COVID-19 actually spreads can help stop stigma.</p>","22https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How It Spreads,USA,,,en,2020/03/1723What is the source of the virus?,"Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, only infect animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other examples of coronaviruses that originated from animals and then spread to people. More information about the source and spread of COVID-19 is available on the Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus.","<p>Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, only infect animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other examples of coronaviruses that originated from animals and then spread to people. More information about the source and spread of COVID-19 is available on the <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html#anchor_1580079137454"">Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus</a>.</p>","24https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How It Spreads,USA,,,en,2020/03/1725How does the virus spread?,"This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so.26The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.28Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses.","<p>This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so.</p>30<p>The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html#geographic"">some affected geographic areas</a>. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.</p>31<p>Learn what is known about the <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html"">spread of newly emerged coronaviruses</a>.</p>","32https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How It Spreads,USA,,,en,2020/03/1733Can someone who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others?,"The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.34How long someone is actively sick can vary so the decision on when to release someone from isolation is made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with doctors, infection prevention and control experts, and public health officials and involves considering specifics of each situation including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and results of laboratory testing for that patient.36Current CDC guidance for when it is OK to release someone from isolation is made on a case by case basis and includes meeting all of the following requirements:38The patient is free from fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.40The patient is no longer showing symptoms, including cough.41The patient has tested negative on at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart.42Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others.","<p>The virus that causes COVID-19 is <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html"">spreading from person-to-person</a>. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.</p>43<p>How long someone is actively sick can vary so the decision on when to release someone from isolation is made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with doctors, infection prevention and control experts, and public health officials and involves considering specifics of each situation including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and results of laboratory testing for that patient.</p>44<p>Current <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-hospitalized-patients.html"">CDC guidance for when it is OK to release someone from isolation</a> is made on a case by case basis and includes meeting all of the following requirements:</p>45<ul>46<li>The patient is free from fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.</li>47<li>The patient is no longer showing symptoms, including cough.</li>48<li>The patient has tested negative on at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart.</li>49</ul>50<p>Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others.</p>","51https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How It Spreads,USA,,,en,2020/03/1752Can someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness to others?,"Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed illness after exposure. For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure, because 14 days is the longest incubation period seen for similar coronaviruses. Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.","<p>Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed illness after exposure. For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure, because 14 days is the longest incubation period seen for similar coronaviruses. Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.</p>53</div></div></div>","54https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How It Spreads,USA,,,en,2020/03/1755"Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including refrigerated or frozen food?","Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom.56It 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.58In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures.60Learn what is known about the spread of COVID-19.","<p>Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom.</p>62<p>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.</p>63<p>In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures.</p>64<p>Learn what is known about the <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html"">spread of COVID-19</a>.</p>","65https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How It Spreads,USA,,,en,2020/03/1766Will warm weather stop the outbreak of COVID-19?,"It is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months. At this time, it is not known whether the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when weather becomes warmer. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing.","<p>It is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months. At this time, it is not known whether the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when weather becomes warmer. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing.</p>","67https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How It Spreads,USA,,,en,2020/03/1768What is community spread?,"Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.","<p>Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.</p>","69https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How It Spreads,USA,,,en,2020/03/1770Am I at risk for COVID-19 in the United States?,This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment may change daily. The latest updates are available on CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website.,"<p>This is a rapidly evolving situation and the <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html#risk-assessment"">risk assessment</a> may change daily. The latest updates are available on CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website.</p>","71https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How to Protect Yourself,USA,,,en,2020/03/1772"73Has anyone in the United States gotten infected?",Yes. There have been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. related to travel and through close contact. U.S. case counts are updated regularly Mondays through Fridays. See the current U.S. case count of COVID-19.,"Yes. There have been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. related to travel and through close contact. U.S. case counts are updated regularly Mondays through Fridays. See the <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html"">current U.S. case count of COVID-19</a>.</p>","74https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How to Protect Yourself,USA,,,en,2020/03/1775How can I help protect myself?,"76Visit the COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment page to learn about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19.","p>Visit the <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html"">COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment</a> page to learn about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19.</p>","77https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How to Protect Yourself,USA,,,en,2020/03/1778What should I do if I had close contact with someone who has COVID-19?,"There is information for people who have had close contact with a person confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, COVID-19 available online.","<p>There is information for <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html"">people who have had close contact</a> with a person confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, COVID-19 available online.</p>","79https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How to Protect Yourself,USA,,,en,2020/03/1780Who is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?,"Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness including older adults, and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.","<p>Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html"">some people are at higher risk</a> of getting very sick from this illness including older adults, and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.</p>","81https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How to Protect Yourself,USA,,,en,2020/03/1782What should people at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19 do?,"If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should: stock up on supplies; take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others; when you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick; limit close contact and wash your hands often; and avoid crowds, cruise travel, and non-essential travel. If there is an outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible. Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. If you get sick, stay home and call your doctor. More information on how to prepare, what to do if you get sick, and how communities and caregivers can support those at higher risk is available on People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19.","<p>If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should: stock up on supplies; take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others; when you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick; limit close contact and wash your hands often; and avoid crowds, cruise travel, and non-essential travel. If there is an outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible. Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. If you get sick, stay home and call your doctor. More information on how to prepare, what to do if you get sick, and how communities and caregivers can support those at higher risk is available on <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html"">People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19. </a></p>","83https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How to Protect Yourself,USA,,,en,2020/03/1784Does CDC recommend the use of facemask to prevent COVID-19?,"CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).","<p>CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/infection-control.html"">health workers</a> and other <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-home-care.html"">people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings</a> (at home or in a health care facility).</p>","85https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How to Protect Yourself,USA,,,en,2020/03/1786Am I at risk for COVID-19 from a package or products shipping from China?,"There is still a lot that is unknown about the newly emerged COVID-19 and how it spreads. Two other coronaviruses have emerged previously to cause severe illness in people (MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV). The virus that causes COVID-19 is more genetically related to SARS-CoV than MERS-CoV, but both are betacoronaviruses with their origins in bats. While we don’t know for sure that this virus will behave the same way as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, we can use the information gained from both of these earlier coronaviruses to guide us. In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods. Information will be provided on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website as it becomes available.","87<p>There is still a lot that is unknown about the newly emerged COVID-19 and how it spreads. Two other coronaviruses have emerged previously to cause severe illness in people (MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV). The virus that causes COVID-19 is more genetically related to SARS-CoV than MERS-CoV, but both are betacoronaviruses with their origins in bats. While we don’t know for sure that this virus will behave the same way as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, we can use the information gained from both of these earlier coronaviruses to guide us. In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods. Information will be provided on the <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html"">Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website</a> as it becomes available.</p>","88https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),How to Protect Yourself,USA,,,en,2020/03/1789What are the symptoms and complications that COVID-19 can cause?,"Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about COVID-19 Symptoms.","<p>Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever<a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#footnote1""><sup>1</sup></a>, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html"">COVID-19 Symptoms</a>.</p>","90https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Sympotms & Testing,USA,,,en,2020/03/1791Should I be tested for COVID-19?,"If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips of face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.","<p>If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html#geographic"">ongoing spread of COVID-19</a>, stay home and call your healthcare provider. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips of face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.</p>92</div></div></div>","93https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Sympotms & Testing,USA,,,en,2020/03/1794Can a person test negative and later test positive for COVID-19?,"Using the CDC-developed diagnostic test, a negative result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in the person’s sample. In the early stages of infection, it is possible the virus will not be detected.95For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms likely means that the COVID-19 virus is not causing their current illness.","<p>Using the CDC-developed diagnostic test, a negative result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in the person’s sample. In the early stages of infection, it is possible the virus will not be detected.</p>97<p>For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms likely means that the COVID-19 virus is not causing their current illness.</p>","98https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Sympotms & Testing,USA,,,en,2020/03/1799Why might someone blame or avoid individuals and groups (create stigma) because of COVID-19?,"People in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who are living in or visiting areas where COVID-19 is spreading. Some people are worried about the disease. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine.100Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths.102Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.","<p>People in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who are living in or visiting areas where COVID-19 is spreading. Some people are worried about the disease. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine.</p>104<p>Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths.</p>105<p>Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.</p>","106https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Sympotms & Testing,USA,,,en,2020/03/17107How can people help stop stigma related to COVID-19?,"People can fight stigma and help, not hurt, others by providing social support. Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating the facts that viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups and how COVID-19 actually spreads can help stop stigma.","<p>People can fight stigma and help, not hurt, others by providing social support. Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating the facts that viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups and how COVID-19 actually spreads can help stop stigma.</p>","108https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Sympotms & Testing,USA,,,en,2020/03/17109What should healthcare professionals and health departments do?,"For recommendations and guidance on persons under investigation; infection control, including personal protective equipment guidance; home care and isolation; and case investigation, see Information for Healthcare Professionals. For information on specimen collection and shipment, see Information for Laboratories. For information for public health professional on COVID-19, see Information for Public Health Professionals.",,"110https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healtcare Professionals and Health Departments,USA,,,en,2020/03/17111Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died of COVID-19?,There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19.,<p>There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19.</p>,"112https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),COVID-19 and Funerals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17113Am I at risk if I touch someone who died of COVID-19 after they have passed away?,"COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads. The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to mainly spread from close contact (i.e., within about 6 feet) with a person who is currently sick with COVID-19. The virus likely spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory infections spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. This type of spread is not a concern after death.114It 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.116People should consider not touching the body of someone who has died of COVID-19. Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. There may be less of a chance of the virus spreading from certain types of touching, such as holding the hand or hugging after the body has been prepared for viewing. Other activities, such as kissing, washing, and shrouding should be avoided before, during, and after the body has been prepared, if possible. If washing the body or shrouding are important religious or cultural practices, families are encouraged to work with their community cultural and religious leaders and funeral home staff on how to reduce their exposure as much as possible. At a minimum, people conducting these activities should wear disposable gloves. If splashing of fluids is expected, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required (such as disposable gown, faceshield or goggles and facemask).118Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claimspdf iconexternal icon are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. After removal of PPE, perform hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.","<p style=""margin-top: 0in;""><span style=""font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI',sans-serif; color: black;"">COVID-19 is a new disease and <strong><span style=""font-family: 'Segoe UI',sans-serif;"">we are still learning how it spreads</span></strong>. The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to mainly spread from close contact (i.e., within about 6 feet) with a person who is currently sick with COVID-19. The virus likely spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory infections spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. This type of spread is not a concern after death.</span></p>120<p style=""margin-top: 0in;""><span style=""font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI',sans-serif; color: black;"">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.</span></p>121<p style=""margin-top: 0in;""><span style=""font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI',sans-serif; color: black;"">People should consider not touching the body of someone who has died of COVID-19. Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. There may be less of a chance of the virus spreading from certain types of touching, such as holding the hand or hugging after the body has been prepared for viewing. Other activities, such as kissing, washing, and shrouding should be avoided before, during, and after the body has been prepared, if possible. If washing the body or shrouding are important religious or cultural practices, families are encouraged to work with their community cultural and religious leaders and funeral home staff on how to reduce their exposure as much as possible. At a minimum, people conducting these activities should wear disposable gloves. If splashing of fluids is expected, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required (such as disposable gown, faceshield or goggles and facemask). </span></p>122<p style=""margin-top: 0in;""><span style=""font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI',sans-serif; color: black;"">Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). </span><a href=""https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf"" target=""new"" rel=""noopener noreferrer"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov""><span style=""font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI',sans-serif; color: #075290;"">Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims</span><span class=""sr-only"">pdf icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-pdf x16 fill-pdf"" aria-hidden=""true""></span><span class=""file-details""></span><span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a><span style=""font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI',sans-serif; color: black;""> are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. After removal of PPE, perform </span><a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html""><span style=""font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI',sans-serif; color: #075290;"">hand hygiene</span></a><span style=""font-size: 13.0pt; font-family: 'Segoe UI',sans-serif; color: black;""> by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.</span></p>","123https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),COVID-19 and Funerals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17124What do Funeral Home Workers need to know about handling decedents who had COVID-19?,"A funeral or visitation service can be held for a person who has died of COVID-19. Funeral home workers should follow their routine infection prevention and control precautions when handling a decedent who died of COVID-19. If it is necessary to transfer a body to a bag, follow Standard Precautions, including additional personal protective equipment (PPE) if splashing of fluids is expected. For transporting a body after the body has been bagged, disinfect the outside of the bag with a product with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claimspdf iconexternal icon expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). Wear disposable nitrile gloves when handling the body bag.125Embalming can be conducted. During embalming, follow Standard Precautions including the use of additional PPE if splashing is expected (e.g. disposable gown, faceshield or goggles and facemask). Wear appropriate respiratory protection if any procedures will generate aerosols or if required for chemicals used in accordance with the manufacturer’s label. Wear heavy-duty gloves over nitrile disposable gloves if there is a risk of cuts, puncture wounds, or other injuries that break the skin. Additional information on how to safely conduct aerosol-generating procedures is in the CDC’s Postmortem Guidance. Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claimspdf iconexternal icon are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).127After cleaning and removal of PPE, perform hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.129Decedents with COVID-19 can be buried or cremated, but check for any additional state and local requirements that may dictate the handling and disposition of the remains of individuals who have died of certain infectious diseases.","<p>A funeral or visitation service can be held for a person who has died of COVID-19. Funeral home workers should follow their routine infection prevention and control precautions when handling a decedent who died of COVID-19. If it is necessary to transfer a body to a bag, follow <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/standard-precautions.html"">Standard Precautions</a>, including additional personal protective equipment (PPE) if splashing of fluids is expected. For transporting a body after the body has been bagged, disinfect the outside of the bag with a <a href=""https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf"" target=""new"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">product with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims<span class=""sr-only"">pdf icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-pdf x16 fill-pdf"" aria-hidden=""true""></span><span class=""file-details""></span><span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a> expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). Wear disposable nitrile gloves when handling the body bag.</p>131<p>Embalming can be conducted. During embalming, follow Standard Precautions including the use of additional PPE if splashing is expected (e.g. disposable gown, faceshield or goggles and facemask). Wear appropriate respiratory protection if any procedures will generate aerosols or if required for chemicals used in accordance with the manufacturer’s label. Wear heavy-duty gloves over nitrile disposable gloves if there is a risk of cuts, puncture wounds, or other injuries that break the skin. Additional information on how to safely conduct aerosol-generating procedures is in the <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-postmortem-specimens.html#autopsy"">CDC’s Postmortem Guidance</a>. Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. <a href=""https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf"" target=""new"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims<span class=""sr-only"">pdf icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-pdf x16 fill-pdf"" aria-hidden=""true""></span><span class=""file-details""></span><span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a> are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).</p>132<p>After cleaning and removal of PPE, perform <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html"">hand hygiene</a> by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.</p>133<p>Decedents with COVID-19 can be buried or cremated, but check for any additional state and local requirements that may dictate the handling and disposition of the remains of individuals who have died of certain infectious diseases.</p>","134https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),COVID-19 and Funerals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17135What should I do if my family member died from COVID-19 while overseas?,"When a US citizen dies outside the United States, the deceased person’s next of kin or legal representative should notify US consular officials at the Department of State. Consular personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide assistance to US citizens for overseas emergencies. If a family member, domestic partner, or legal representative is in a different country from the deceased person, he or she should call the Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services in Washington, DC, from 8 am to 5 pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday, at 888-407-4747 (toll-free) or 202-501-4444. For emergency assistance after working hours or on weekends and holidays, call the Department of State switchboard at 202-647-4000 and ask to speak with the Overseas Citizens Services duty officer. In addition, the US embassyexternal icon closest to or in the country where the US citizen died can provide assistance.","<p>When a US citizen dies outside the United States, the deceased person’s next of kin or legal representative should notify US consular officials at the Department of State. Consular personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide assistance to US citizens for overseas emergencies. If a family member, domestic partner, or legal representative is in a different country from the deceased person, he or she should call the Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services in Washington, DC, from 8 am to 5 pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday, at 888-407-4747 (toll-free) or 202-501-4444. For emergency assistance after working hours or on weekends and holidays, call the Department of State switchboard at 202-647-4000 and ask to speak with the Overseas Citizens Services duty officer. In addition, the <a href=""https://www.usembassy.gov/"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">US embassy<span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a> closest to or in the country where the US citizen died can provide assistance.</p>","136https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),COVID-19 and Funerals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17137My family member died from COVID-19 while overseas. What are the requirements for returning the body to the United States?,"CDC does not require an autopsy before the remains of a person who died overseas are returned to the United States. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the death, some countries may require an autopsy. Sources of support to the family include the local consulate or embassy, travel insurance provider, tour operator, faith-based and aid organizations, and the deceased’s employer. There likely will need to be an official identification of the body and official documents issued by the consular office.138CDC requirements for importing human remains depend upon if the body has been embalmed, cremated, or if the person died from a quarantinable communicable disease.140At this time, COVID-19 is a quarantinable communicable disease in the United States and the remains must meet the standards for importation found in 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 71.55 and may be cleared, released, and authorized for entry into the United States only under the following conditions:142The remains are cremated; OR144The remains are properly embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed casket; OR145The remains are accompanied by a permit issued by the CDC Director. The CDC permit (if applicable) must accompany the human remains at all times during shipment.146Permits for the importation of the remains of a person known or suspected to have died from a quarantinable communicable disease may be obtained through the CDC Division of Global Migration and Quarantine by calling the CDC Emergency Operations Center at 770-488-7100 or emailing dgmqpolicyoffice@cdc.gov.147Please see CDC’s guidance for additional information.","<p>CDC does not require an autopsy before the remains of a person who died overseas are returned to the United States. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the death, some countries may require an autopsy. Sources of support to the family include the local consulate or embassy, travel insurance provider, tour operator, faith-based and aid organizations, and the deceased’s employer. There likely will need to be an official identification of the body and official documents issued by the consular office.</p>148<p>CDC requirements for importing human remains depend upon if the body has been embalmed, cremated, or if the person died from a <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/aboutlawsregulationsquarantineisolation.html"">quarantinable communicable disease</a>.</p>149<p>At this time, COVID-19 is a quarantinable communicable disease in the United States and the remains must meet the standards for importation found in 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 71.55 and may be cleared, released, and authorized for entry into the United States only under the following conditions:</p>150<ul>151<li>The remains are cremated; OR</li>152<li>The remains are properly embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed casket; OR</li>153<li>The remains are accompanied by a permit issued by the CDC Director. The CDC permit (if applicable) must accompany the human remains at all times during shipment.154<ul>155<li>Permits for the importation of the remains of a person known or suspected to have died from a quarantinable communicable disease may be obtained through the CDC Division of Global Migration and Quarantine by calling the CDC Emergency Operations Center at 770-488-7100 or emailing <a href=""mailto:dgmqpolicyoffice@cdc.gov"">dgmqpolicyoffice@cdc.gov</a>.</li>156</ul>157</li>158</ul>159<p>Please see <a href=""http://www.cdc.gov/importation/human-remains.html"">CDC’s guidance</a> for additional information.</p>","160https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),COVID-19 and Funerals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17161What is CDC doing about COVID-19?,"This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available. CDC works 24/7 to protect people’s health. More information about CDC’s response to COVID-19 is available online.","<p>This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available. CDC works 24/7 to protect people’s health. More information about <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html#cdc-response"">CDC’s response to COVID-19</a> is available online.</p>","162https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),What CDC is Doing,USA,,,en,2020/03/17163What about imported animals or animal products?,"CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that imported animals or animal products pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) play distinct but complementary roles in regulating the importation of live animals and animal products into the United States. CDC regulates animals and animal products that pose a threat to human health, USDA regulatesexternal icon animals and animal products that pose a threat to agriculture; and FWS regulatesexternal icon importation of endangered species and wildlife that can harm the health and welfare of humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture, or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources.","<p>CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that imported animals or animal products pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) play distinct but complementary roles in regulating the importation of live animals and animal products into the United States. <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/importation/index.html"">CDC regulates</a> animals and animal products that pose a threat to human health, <a href=""https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-information/ct_animal_imports_home"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">USDA regulates<span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a> animals and animal products that pose a threat to agriculture; and <a href=""https://www.fws.gov/le/businesses.html"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">FWS regulates<span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a> importation of endangered species and wildlife that can harm the health and welfare of humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture, or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources.</p>","164https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),COVID-19 and Animals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17165Can I travel to the United States with dogs or import dogs into the United States during the COVID-19 outbreak?,"Please refer to CDC’s requirements for bringing a dog to the United States. The current requirements for rabies vaccination apply to dogs imported from China, a high-risk country for rabies.","<p>Please refer to <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/index.html"">CDC’s requirements for bringing a dog to the United States</a>. The current <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/rabies-vaccine.html"">requirements for rabies vaccination</a> apply to dogs imported from China, a high-risk country for rabies.</p>","166https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),COVID-19 and Animals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17167Should I be concerned about pets or other animals and COVID-19?,"While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person in China. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals. For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and wildlife, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website.","<p>While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person in China. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals. For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and wildlife, visit CDC’s <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html"">Healthy Pets, Healthy People website</a>.</p>168","169https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),COVID-19 and Animals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17170Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick with COVID-19?,"You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask","<p>You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.</p>","171https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),COVID-19 and Animals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17172"What precautions should be taken for animals that have recently been imported (for example, by shelters, rescue groups, or as personal pets) from China?","Animals imported from China will need to meet CDC and USDA requirements for entering the United States. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. As with any animal introduced to a new environment, animals recently imported from China should be observed daily for signs of illness. If an animal becomes ill, the animal should be examined by a veterinarian. Call your local veterinary clinic before bringing the animal into the clinic and let them know that the animal was recently in China.","<p>Animals imported from China will need to meet <a href=""/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/index.html"">CDC</a> and <a href=""https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-information/live-animal-imports/import-live-animals"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">USDA<span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a> requirements for entering the United States. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. As with any animal introduced to a new environment, animals recently imported from China should be observed daily for signs of illness. If an animal becomes ill, the animal should be examined by a veterinarian. Call your local veterinary clinic <u>before</u> bringing the animal into the clinic and let them know that the animal was recently in China.</p>","173https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html",Frequently Asked Questions,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),COVID-19 and Animals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17174Should I cancel my international trip?,"CDC provides recommendations for international travel, including guidance on when to consider postponing or canceling travel. Most of the time, this guidance is provided through travel health notices and is based on the potential health risks associated with traveling to a certain destination.175Travel health notices are designated as Level 1, 2, or 3, depending on the situation in that destination. (See below for what each level means). A list of destinations with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) travel health notices is available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.177Warning Level 3: CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to these destinations.179Alert Level 2: CDC recommends older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions consider postponing nonessential travel.180Watch Level 1: CDC does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to destinations with, but it is important to take steps to prevent getting and spreading diseases during travel.181CDC also recommends all travelers, defer all cruise travel worldwide. This is particularly important for older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions.182If you do travel, take the following steps to help reduce your chances of getting sick:184Avoid contact with sick people.186Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.187Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.188It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.189Make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.190The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC guidance is reviewed daily and updated frequently.192","<p>CDC provides recommendations for international travel, including guidance on when to consider postponing or canceling travel. Most of the time, this guidance is provided through travel health notices and is based on the potential health risks associated with traveling to a certain destination.</p>195<p>Travel health notices are designated as Level 1, 2, or 3, depending on the situation in that destination. (See below for what each level means). A list of destinations with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) travel health notices is available at <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html"">www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html</a>.</p>196<ul>197<li><u>Warning Level 3</u>: CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to these destinations.</li>198<li><u>Alert Level 2:</u> CDC recommends older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions consider postponing nonessential travel.</li>199<li><u>Watch Level 1</u>: CDC does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to destinations with, but it is important to take <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention-treatment.html"">steps</a> to prevent getting and spreading diseases during travel.</li>200</ul>201<p>CDC also recommends all travelers, defer all cruise travel worldwide. This is particularly important for older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions.</p>202<p>If you do travel, take the following steps to help reduce your chances of getting sick:</p>203<ul>204<li>Avoid contact with sick people.</li>205<li>Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.</li>206<li>Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.207<ul>208<li>It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.</li>209</ul>210</li>211</ul>212<p>Make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.</p>213<p><strong>The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC guidance is reviewed daily and updated frequently.</strong></p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Cancelling or Postponing Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17214Are international layovers included in CDC's recommendation to avoid nonessential travel?,"Yes. Airport layovers in international destinations with a level 3 travel health notice are included in CDC’s recommendation to avoid nonessential travel. If a layover is unavoidable, CDC recommends you not leave the airport. Even if you don’t leave the airport during your layover, you may still be subject to screening and monitoring when entering the United States.215A layover is anytime you exit a plane when traveling to your final destination.","<p>Yes. Airport layovers in international destinations with a level 3 travel health notice are included in CDC’s recommendation to avoid nonessential travel. If a layover is unavoidable, CDC recommends you not leave the airport. Even if you don’t leave the airport during your layover, you may still be subject to screening and monitoring when entering the United States.</p>217<p>A layover is anytime you exit a plane when traveling to your final destination.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Cancelling or Postponing Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17218What is the risk of getting COVID-19 on an airplane?,"Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily. Although the risk of infection on an airplane is low, try to avoid contact with sick passengers and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.219For more information: Exposure Risk During Travel","<p>Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily. Although the risk of infection on an airplane is low, try to avoid contact with sick passengers and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.</p>221<p>For more information: <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/risk-assessment.html"">Exposure Risk During Travel</a></p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Air or Cruise Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17222What happens if there is a sick passenger on an international or domestic flight?,"Under current federal regulations, pilots must report all illnesses and deaths to CDC before arriving to a US destination. According to CDC disease protocols, if a sick traveler is considered to be a public health risk, CDC works with local and state health departments and international public health agencies to contact passengers and crew exposed to that sick traveler.223Be sure to give the airline your current contact information when booking your ticket so you can be notified if you are exposed to a sick traveler on a flight.225For more information: Contact Investigation","<p>Under current federal regulations, pilots must report all illnesses and deaths to CDC before arriving to a US destination. According to CDC disease protocols, if a sick traveler is considered to be a public health risk, CDC works with local and state health departments and international public health agencies to <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/contact-investigation.html"">contact passengers and crew</a> exposed to that sick traveler.</p>227<p>Be sure to give the airline your current contact information when booking your ticket so you can be notified if you are exposed to a sick traveler on a flight.</p>228<p>For more information: <a href=""http://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/contact-investigation.html"">Contact Investigation</a></p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Air or Cruise Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17229Should I go on a cruise?,"CDC recommends all travelers, particularly older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions defer all cruise ship travel worldwide. Recent reports of COVID-19 on cruise ships highlight the risk of infection to cruise ship passengers and crew. Like many other viruses, COVID-19 appears to spread more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships.","<p>CDC recommends all travelers, particularly older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions <a href=""https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/covid-19-cruise-ship"">defer all cruise ship travel worldwide</a>. Recent reports of COVID-19 on cruise ships highlight the risk of infection to cruise ship passengers and crew. Like many other viruses, COVID-19 appears to spread more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Air or Cruise Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17230Should travelers wear facemasks?,"CDC does not recommend that healthy travelers wear facemasks to protect themselves from COVID-19. Wear a facemask only if you are sick and coughing or sneezing to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses to others. If you are well, it is more important to take these important steps to reduce your chances of getting sick:231Avoid close contact with people who are sick.233Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.234To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc.235Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.236Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.237Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.238Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.239If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.","<p>CDC does not recommend that healthy travelers wear facemasks to protect themselves from COVID-19. Wear a facemask only if you are sick and coughing or sneezing to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses to others. If you are well, it is more important to take these important steps to reduce your chances of getting sick:</p>240<ul>241<li>Avoid close contact with people who are sick.</li>242<li>Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.</li>243<li>To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc.244<ul>245<li>Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.</li>246<li>Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.</li>247</ul>248</li>249<li><strong>Clean AND disinfect </strong><a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.html"">frequently touched surfaces</a><strong> daily</strong>. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.</li>250<li>Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.</li>251<li>If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.</li>252</ul>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Air or Cruise Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17253What can I expect when departing other countries?,"Be aware that some countries are conducting exit screening for all passengers leaving their country. Before being permitted to board a departing flight, you may have your temperature taken and be asked questions about your travel history and health.","<p>Be aware that some countries are conducting exit screening for all passengers leaving their country. Before being permitted to board a departing flight, you may have your temperature taken and be asked questions about your travel history and health.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Returning from Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17254What can I expect when arriving to the United States?,"At this time, travel restrictions and entry screening only apply to travelers arriving from countries with a level 3 travel health notice. [Note: US policies are subject to change as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.]255This means that if you traveled from countries other than those listed above, you:257Won’t be subject to additional health screening upon arrival in the United States, and259Won’t be under mandatory quarantine orders upon entry to the United States.260If you are arriving to the United States from a country with level 2 travel health notice, you will be asked to monitor your health and practice social distancing. Social distancing means staying out of crowded places, avoiding group gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.261If you are coming from an international destination with a level 3 Travel Health Notice, you will be asked to stay home for 14 days from the time you return from travel, monitor your health and practice social distancing. Social distancing means staying out of crowded places, avoiding group gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.","<p>At this time, travel restrictions and entry screening only apply to travelers arriving from countries with a level 3 travel health notice. [Note: US policies are subject to change as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.]</p>263<p>This means that if you traveled from countries other than those listed above, you:</p>264<ul>265<li>Won’t be subject to additional health screening upon arrival in the United States, and</li>266<li>Won’t be under mandatory quarantine orders upon entry to the United States.</li>267</ul>268<p>If you are arriving to the United States from a country with <a href=""https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/"">level 2 travel health notice</a>, you will be asked to monitor your health and practice social distancing. Social distancing means staying out of crowded places, avoiding group gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.</p>269<p>If you are coming from an international destination with a <a href=""https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/"">level 3 Travel Health Notice</a>, you will be asked to stay home for 14 days from the time you return from travel, monitor your health and practice social distancing. Social distancing means staying out of crowded places, avoiding group gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Returning from Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17270How are travelers from countries with a level 3 travel health notice being screened when they enter the United States?,"At this time, American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and family members (as specified in the Presidential Proclamationexternal icon) who have been in countries with a Level 3 travel health notice within 14 days prior to their arrival will be allowed to enter the United States. Travelers from some countries with a level 3 travel health notice are being re-directed to certain airports and are screened for COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough or trouble breathing and asked questions about their travel and possible exposure to COVID-19. Travelers without symptoms will be told to stay home and practice social distancing.271More information for travelers from countries with a level 3 travel health notice is available here.","<p>At this time, American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and family members (as specified in the <a href=""https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspension-entry-immigrants-nonimmigrants-certain-additional-persons-pose-risk-transmitting-2019-novel-coronavirus/"" target=""_blank"" rel=""noopener noreferrer"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">Presidential Proclamation<span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a>) who have been in countries with a Level 3 travel health notice within 14 days prior to their arrival will be allowed to enter the United States. Travelers from some countries with a level 3 travel health notice are being re-directed to certain airports and are screened for COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough or trouble breathing and asked questions about their travel and possible exposure to COVID-19. Travelers without symptoms will be told to stay home and practice social distancing.</p>273<p>More information for travelers from countries with a level 3 travel health notice is available <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html"" target=""_blank"" rel=""noopener noreferrer"">here</a>.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Returning from Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17274After arriving from a country with a level 3 travel health notice related to COVID-19 when can I return to work?,"Currently, any traveler arriving to the United States after leaving a country with Level 3 travel health notice related to COVID-19 in the past 14 days will have some level of restrictions on their movements. All travelers from these countries should stay home and practice social distancing for 14 days from the time they left the outbreak area.275Foreign nationals who have visited China, Iran, and most European Countries in the past 14 days are temporarily not allowed to enter the United States.","<p>Currently, any <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html"">traveler arriving to the United States after leaving a country with Level 3 travel health notice related to COVID-19 </a>in the past 14 days will have some level of restrictions on their movements. All travelers from these countries should stay home and practice social distancing for 14 days from the time they left the outbreak area.</p>277<p>Foreign nationals who have visited China, Iran, and most European Countries in the past 14 days are temporarily not allowed to enter the United States.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Returning from Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17278What if I recently traveled and get sick?,See CDC’s website about what to do if you get sick.,"<p><a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html"">See CDC’s website about what to do if you get sick</a>.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html,Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Returning from Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17279How can my family and I prepare for COVID-19?,"Create a household plan of action to help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community:280Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan, and discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community.282Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications, particularly older adults and those with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease.283Make sure they have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time.284Get to know your neighbors and find out if your neighborhood has a website or social media page to stay connected.285Create a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.286Create an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.","<p>Create a household plan of action to help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community:</p>287<ul>288<li>Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan, and discuss <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html"">what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community</a>.</li>289<li>Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications, particularly <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html"">older adults and those with severe chronic medical</a> conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease.290<ul>291<li>Make sure they have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time.</li>292</ul>293</li>294<li>Get to know your neighbors and find out if your neighborhood has a website or social media page to stay connected.</li>295<li>Create a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.</li>296<li>Create an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.</li>297</ul>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Preparing your Home for COVID-19,USA,,,en,2020/03/17298What steps can my family take to reduce our risk of getting COVID-19?,"Practice everyday preventive actions to help reduce your risk of getting sick and remind everyone in your home to do the same. These actions are especially important for older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions:299Avoid close contact with people who are sick.301Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.302Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.303Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.304If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.305Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects306(e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).","<p>Practice everyday preventive actions to help reduce your risk of getting sick and remind everyone in your home to do the same. These actions are especially important for older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions:</p>307<ul>308<li>Avoid close contact with people who are sick.</li>309<li>Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.</li>310<li>Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.</li>311<li>Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.</li>312<li>If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.</li>313<li>Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects<br>314(e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).</li>315</ul>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Preparing your Home for COVID-20,USA,,,en,2020/03/17316What should I do if someone in my house gets sick with COVID-19?,"Most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. CDC has directions for people who are recovering at home and their caregivers, including:317Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.319If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:320Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath321Persistent pain or pressure in the chest322New confusion or inability to arouse323Bluish lips or face324*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.325Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible).326Clean hands regularly by handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.327Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.328Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.329Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, food, and drinks.","<p>Most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html"">CDC has directions</a> for people who are recovering at home and their caregivers, including:</p>330<ul>331<li>Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.</li>332<li>If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs<sup>*</sup>:</li>333</ul>334<ul>335<li style=""list-style-type: none;"">336<ul>337<li>Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath</li>338<li>Persistent pain or pressure in the chest</li>339<li>New confusion or inability to arouse</li>340<li>Bluish lips or face</li>341<li><sup>*</sup>This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.</li>342</ul>343</li>344</ul>345<ul>346<li>Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible).</li>347<li>Clean hands regularly by handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.</li>348<li>Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.</li>349<li><a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.html"">Clean the sick room and bathroom</a>, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.</li>350<li>Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, food, and drinks.</li>351</ul>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Preparing your Home for COVID-21,USA,,,en,2020/03/17352"How can I prepare in case my child's school, childcare facility, or university is dismissed?","Talk to the school or facility about their emergency operations plan. Understand the plan for continuing education and social services (such as student meal programs) during school dismissals. If your child attends a college or university, encourage them to learn about the school’s plan for a COVID-19 outbreak.","<p>Talk to the <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html"">school or facility</a> about their emergency operations plan. Understand the plan for continuing education and social services (such as student meal programs) during school dismissals. If your child attends a <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/colleges-universities.html"">college or university</a>, encourage them to learn about the school’s plan for a COVID-19 outbreak.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Preparing your Home for COVID-22,USA,,,en,2020/03/17353How can I prepare for COVID-19 at work?,"Plan for potential changes at your workplace. Talk to your employer about their emergency operations plan, including sick-leave policies and telework options. Learn how businesses and employers can plan for and respond to COVID-19.","<p>Plan for potential changes at your workplace. Talk to your employer about their emergency operations plan, including sick-leave policies and telework options. <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html"">Learn how businesses and employers can plan for and respond to COVID-19.</a></p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Preparing your Home for COVID-23,USA,,,en,2020/03/17354Should I use soap and water or a hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19?,"Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.","<p>Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Preparing your Home for COVID-24,USA,,,en,2020/03/17355What cleaning products should I use to protect against COVID-19?,"Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. See CDC’s recommendations for household cleaning and disinfection.","<p>Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. See CDC’s recommendations <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.html"">for household cleaning and disinfection</a>.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Preparing your Home for COVID-25,USA,,,en,2020/03/17356What should I do if there is an outbreak in my community?,"During an outbreak, stay calm and put your preparedness plan to work. Follow the steps below:357Protect yourself and others.359Stay home if you are sick. Keep away from people who are sick. Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).361Put your household plan into action.362Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation. Be aware of temporary school dismissals in your area, as this may affect your household’s daily routine.364Continue practicing everyday preventive actions. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily using a regular household detergent and water.365Notify your workplace as soon as possible if your regular work schedule changes. Ask to work from home or take leave if you or someone in your household gets sick with COVID-19 symptoms, or if your child’s school is dismissed temporarily. Learn how businesses and employers can plan for and respond to COVID-19.366Stay in touch with others by phone or email. If you have a chronic medical condition and live alone, ask family, friends, and health care providers to check on you during an outbreak. Stay in touch with family and friends, especially those at increased risk of developing severe illness, such as older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions.","<p>During an outbreak, stay calm and put your preparedness plan to work. Follow the steps below:</p>367<p><strong><a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html""><strong>Protect yourself and others</strong></a>.</strong></p>368<ul>369<li>Stay home if you are sick. Keep away from people who are sick. Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).</li>370</ul>371<p><strong>Put your household plan into action. </strong></p>372<ul>373<li><strong>Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation</strong>. Be aware of temporary school dismissals in your area, as this may affect your household’s daily routine.</li>374</ul>375<ul>376<li><strong>Continue practicing everyday preventive actions. </strong>Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily using a regular household detergent and water.</li>377<li><strong>Notify your workplace as soon as possible if your regular work schedule changes.</strong> Ask to work from home or take leave if you or someone in your household gets sick with <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html"">COVID-19 symptoms</a>, or if your child’s school is dismissed temporarily. <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html"">Learn how businesses and employers can plan for and respond to COVID-19.</a></li>378<li><strong>Stay in touch with others by phone or email. </strong>If you have a chronic medical condition and live alone, ask family, friends, and health care providers to check on you during an outbreak. Stay in touch with family and friends, especially those at increased risk of developing severe illness, such as older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions.</li>379</ul>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),In Case of an Outbreak in Your Community,USA,,,en,2020/03/17380How do I prepare my children in case of COVID-19 outbreak in our community?,"Outbreaks can be stressful for adults and children. Talk with your children about the outbreak, try to stay calm, and reassure them that they are safe. If appropriate, explain to them that most illness from COVID-19 seems to be mild. Children respond differently to stressful situations than adults.","<p>Outbreaks can be stressful for adults and children. Talk with your children about the outbreak, try to stay calm, and reassure them that they are safe. If appropriate, explain to them that most illness from COVID-19 seems to be mild. <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html"">Children respond differently to stressful situations than adults</a>.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),In Case of an Outbreak in Your Community,USA,,,en,2020/03/17381What steps should parents take to protect children during a community outbreak?,"This is a new virus and we are still learning about it, but so far, there does not seem to be a lot of illness in children. Most illness, including serious illness, is happening in adults of working age and older adults. If there cases of COVID-19 that impact your child’s school, the school may dismiss students. Keep track of school dismissals in your community. Read or watch local media sources that report school dismissals. If schools are dismissed temporarily, use alternative childcare arrangements, if needed.382If your child/children become sick with COVID-19, notify their childcare facility or school. Talk with teachers about classroom assignments and activities they can do from home to keep up with their schoolwork.384Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.","<p>This is a new virus and we are still learning about it, but so far, there does not seem to be a lot of illness in children. Most illness, including serious illness, is happening in adults of working age and older adults. If there cases of COVID-19 that impact your child’s school, the school may dismiss students. Keep track of school dismissals in your community. Read or watch local media sources that report school dismissals. If schools are dismissed temporarily, use alternative childcare arrangements, if needed.</p>386<p>If your child/children become sick with COVID-19, notify their childcare facility or school. Talk with teachers about classroom assignments and activities they can do from home to keep up with their schoolwork.</p>387<p>Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),In Case of an Outbreak in Your Community,USA,,,en,2020/03/17388Will schools be dismissed if there is an outbreak in my community?,"Depending on the situation, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce exposures to COVID-19, such as school dismissals. Read or watch local media sources that report school dismissals or and watch for communication from your child’s school. If schools are dismissed temporarily, discourage students and staff from gathering or socializing anywhere, like at a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant, or the local shopping mall.","<p>Depending on the situation, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce exposures to COVID-19, such as school dismissals. Read or watch local media sources that report school dismissals or and watch for communication from your child’s school. If schools are dismissed temporarily, discourage students and staff from gathering or socializing anywhere, like at a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant, or the local shopping mall.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),In Case of an Outbreak in Your Community,USA,,,en,2020/03/17389Should I go to work if there is an outbreak in my community?,"Follow the advice of your local health officials. Stay home if you can. Talk to your employer to discuss working from home, taking leave if you or someone in your household gets sick with COVID-19 symptoms, or if your child’s school is dismissed temporarily. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual in case of a community outbreak.","<p>Follow the advice of your local health officials. Stay home if you can. Talk to your employer to discuss working from home, taking leave if you or someone in your household gets sick with <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html"">COVID-19 symptoms</a>, or if your child’s school is dismissed temporarily. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual in case of a community outbreak.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/faq.html,FAQs for Individuals and Families,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),In Case of an Outbreak in Your Community,USA,,,en,2020/03/17390What is the risk of my child becoming sick with COVID-19?,"Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more about who is most at risk for health problems if they have COVID-19 infection on CDC’s current Risk Assessment page.","<p>A: Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more about who is most at risk for health problems if they have COVID-19 infection on CDC’s current <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html#risk-assessment"">Risk Assessment</a> page.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children-faq.html,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and Children,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Children,USA,,,en,2020/03/17391How can I protect my child from COVID-19 infection?,"You can encourage your child to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by teaching them to do the same things everyone should do to stay healthy.392Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer394Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing)395Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks)396Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.397You can find additional information on preventing COVID-19 at Prevention for 2019 Novel Coronavirus and at Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities. Additional information on how COVID-19 is spread is available at How COVID-19 Spreads.","<p>You can encourage your child to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by teaching them to do the same things everyone should do to stay healthy.</p>398<ul>399<li>Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer</li>400<li>Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing)</li>401<li>Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks)</li>402<li>Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.</li>403</ul>404<p>You can find additional information on preventing COVID-19 at <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/prevention.html"">Prevention for 2019 Novel Coronavirus</a> and at <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html"">Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities</a>. Additional information on how COVID-19 is spread is available at <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html"">How COVID-19 Spreads</a>.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children-faq.html,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and Children,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Children,USA,,,en,2020/03/17405Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?,"No. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. It’s not known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare needs. There is much more to be learned about how the disease impacts children.","<p>A: No. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. It’s not known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare needs. There is much more to be learned about how the disease impacts children.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children-faq.html,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and Children,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Children,USA,,,en,2020/03/17406"Should children wear masks?407","No. If your child is healthy, there is no need for them to wear a facemask. Only people who have symptoms of illness or who are providing care to those who are ill should wear masks.","<p>A: No. If your child is healthy, there is no need for them to wear a facemask. Only people who have symptoms of illness or who are providing care to those who are ill should wear masks.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children-faq.html,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and Children,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Children,USA,,,en,2020/03/17408"What is the risk to pregnant women of getting COVID-19? Is it easier for pregnant women to become ill with the disease? If they become infected, will they be more sick than other people?","We do not currently know if pregnant women have a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general public nor whether they are more likely to have serious illness as a result. Pregnant women experience changes in their bodies that may increase their risk of some infections. With viruses from the same family as COVID-19, and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza, women have had a higher risk of developing severe illness. It is always important for pregnant women to protect themselves from illnesses.","<p>We do not currently know if pregnant women have a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general public nor whether they are more likely to have serious illness as a result. Pregnant women experience changes in their bodies that may increase their risk of some infections. With viruses from the same family as COVID-19, and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza, women have had a higher risk of developing severe illness. It is always important for pregnant women to protect themselves from illnesses.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html,Pregnancy & Breastfeeding,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Pregnant Women,USA,,,en,2020/03/17409How can pregnant women protect themselves from getting COVID-19?,"Pregnant women should do the same things as the general public to avoid infection. You can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking these actions:410Cover your cough (using your elbow is a good technique)412Avoid people who are sick413Clean your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer414You can find additional information on preventing COVID-19 disease at CDC’s (Prevention for 2019 Novel Coronavirus).","<p>Pregnant women should do the same things as the general public to avoid infection. You can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking these actions:</p>415<ul>416<li>Cover your cough (using your elbow is a good technique)</li>417<li>Avoid people who are sick</li>418<li>Clean your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer</li>419</ul>420<p>You can find additional information on preventing COVID-19 disease at CDC’s (<a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/prevention.html"">Prevention for 2019 Novel Coronavirus</a>).</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html,Pregnancy & Breastfeeding,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Pregnant Women,USA,,,en,2020/03/17421"Can COVID-19 cause problems for a pregnancy?422",We do not know at this time if COVID-19 would cause problems during pregnancy or affect the health of the baby after birth.,<p>We do not know at this time if COVID-19 would cause problems during pregnancy or affect the health of the baby after birth.</p>,https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html,Pregnancy & Breastfeeding,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Pregnant Women,USA,,,en,2020/03/17423Can COVID-19 be passed from a pregnant woman to the fetus or newborn?,"We still do not know if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus that causes COVID-19 to her fetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. No infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. In these cases, which are a small number, the virus was not found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.424","<p>We still do not know if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus that causes COVID-19 to her fetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. No infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. In these cases, which are a small number, the virus was not found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html,Pregnancy & Breastfeeding,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),During Pregnancy or Delivery,USA,,,en,2020/03/17425"If a pregnant woman has COVID-19 during pregnancy, will it hurt the baby?426","We do not know at this time what if any risk is posed to infants of a pregnant woman who has COVID-19. There have been a small number of reported problems with pregnancy or delivery (e.g. preterm birth) in babies born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 during their pregnancy. However, it is not clear that these outcomes were related to maternal infection.","<p>We do not know at this time what if any risk is posed to infants of a pregnant woman who has COVID-19. There have been a small number of reported problems with pregnancy or delivery (e.g. preterm birth) in babies born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 during their pregnancy. However, it is not clear that these outcomes were related to maternal infection.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html,Pregnancy & Breastfeeding,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Infants,USA,,,en,2020/03/17427Can the COVID-19 virus spread through drinking water?,"The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.","<p>The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html,Water Transmission and COVID-19,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Water Transmission,USA,,,en,2020/03/17428Is the COVID-19 virus found in feces?,"The virus that causes COVID-19 has been detected in the feces of some patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The amount of virus released from the body (shed) in stool, how long the virus is shed, and whether the virus in stool is infectious are not known.429The risk of transmission of COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person is also unknown. However, the risk is expected to be low based on data from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). There have been no reports of fecal-oral transmission of COVID-19 to date.","<p>The virus that causes COVID-19 has been detected in the feces of some patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The amount of virus released from the body (shed) in stool, how long the virus is shed, and whether the virus in stool is infectious are not known.</p>431<p>The risk of transmission of COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person is also unknown. However, the risk is expected to be low based on data from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). There have been no reports of fecal-oral transmission of COVID-19 to date.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html,Water Transmission and COVID-20,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Water Transmission,USA,,,en,2020/03/17432Can the COVID-19 virus spread through pools and hot tubs?,"There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.","<p>There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html,Water Transmission and COVID-21,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Water Transmission,USA,,,en,2020/03/17433Can the COVID-19 virus spread through sewerage systems?,"CDC is reviewing all data on COVID-19 transmission as information becomes available. At this time, the risk of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 through sewerage systems is thought to be low. Although transmission of COVID-19 through sewage may be possible, there is no evidence to date that this has occurred. This guidance will be updated as necessary as new evidence is assessed.434SARS, a similar coronavirus, has been detected in untreated sewage for up to 2 to 14 days. In the 2003 SARS outbreak, there was documented transmission associated with sewage aerosols. Data suggest that standard municipal wastewater system chlorination practices may be sufficient to inactivate coronaviruses, as long as utilities monitor free available chlorine during treatment to ensure it has not been depleted.436Wastewater and sewage workers should use standard practices, practice basic hygiene precautions, and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as prescribed for current work tasks.","<p>CDC is reviewing all data on COVID-19 transmission as information becomes available. At this time, the risk of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 through sewerage systems is thought to be low. Although transmission of COVID-19 through sewage may be possible, there is no evidence to date that this has occurred. This guidance will be updated as necessary as new evidence is assessed.</p>438<p>SARS, a similar coronavirus, has been detected in untreated sewage for up to 2 to 14 days. In the 2003 SARS outbreak, there was documented transmission associated with sewage aerosols. Data suggest that standard municipal wastewater system chlorination practices may be sufficient to inactivate coronaviruses, as long as utilities monitor free available chlorine during treatment to ensure it has not been depleted.</p>439<p>Wastewater and sewage workers should use standard practices, practice basic hygiene precautions, and wear personal protective equipment (<a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html"">PPE</a>) as prescribed for current work tasks.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html,Water Transmission and COVID-22,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Water Transmission,USA,,,en,2020/03/17440Should wastewater workers take extra precautions to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus?,"Wastewater treatment plant operations should ensure workers follow routine practices to prevent exposure to wastewater. These include using engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices, and PPE normally required for work tasks when handling untreated wastewater. No additional COVID-19–specific protections are recommended for employees involved in wastewater management operations, including those at wastewater treatment facilities.","<p>Wastewater treatment plant operations should ensure workers follow routine practices to prevent exposure to wastewater. These include using engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices, and<a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/sanitation/workers_handlingwaste.html""> PPE</a> normally required for work tasks when handling untreated wastewater. No additional COVID-19–specific protections are recommended for employees involved in wastewater management operations, including those at wastewater treatment facilities.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html,Water Transmission and COVID-23,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Water Transmission,USA,,,en,2020/03/17441What are the clinical features of COVID-19?,"442The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 ranges from mild disease with non-specific signs and symptoms of acute respiratory illness, to severe pneumonia with respiratory failure and septic shock. There have also been reports of asymptomatic infection with COVID-19. See also Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).","<p>A: The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 ranges from mild disease with non-specific signs and symptoms of acute respiratory illness, to severe pneumonia with respiratory failure and septic shock. There have also been reports of asymptomatic infection with COVID-19. See also <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html"">Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)</a></p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17443"Who is at risk for COVID-19?444","Currently, those at greatest risk of infection are persons who have had prolonged, unprotected close contact with a patient with symptomatic, confirmed COVID-19 and those who live in or have recently been to areas with sustained transmission.","<p>A: Currently, those at greatest risk of infection are persons who have had prolonged, unprotected close contact with a patient with symptomatic, confirmed COVID-19 and those who live in or have recently been to areas with sustained transmission.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17445Who is at risk for severe disease from COVID-19?,"The available data are currently insufficient to identify risk factors for severe clinical outcomes. From the limited data that are available for COVID-19 infected patients, and for data from related coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, it is possible that older adults, and persons who have underlying chronic medical conditions, such as immunocompromising conditions, may be at risk for more severe outcomes. See also See also Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).","<p>The available data are currently insufficient to identify risk factors for severe clinical outcomes. From the limited data that are available for COVID-19 infected patients, and for data from related coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, it is possible that older adults, and persons who have underlying chronic medical conditions, such as immunocompromising conditions, may be at risk for more severe outcomes. See also See also <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html"">Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)</a>.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17446When is someone infectious?,"The onset and duration of viral shedding and period of infectiousness for COVID-19 are not yet known. It is possible that SARS-CoV-2 RNA may be detectable in the upper or lower respiratory tract for weeks after illness onset, similar to infection with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. However, detection of viral RNA does not necessarily mean that infectious virus is present. Asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been reported, but it is not yet known what role asymptomatic infection plays in transmission. Similarly, the role of pre-symptomatic transmission (infection detection during the incubation period prior to illness onset) is unknown. Existing literature regarding SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses (e.g. MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV) suggest that the incubation period may range from 2–14 days.","<p>A: The onset and duration of viral shedding and period of infectiousness for COVID-19 are not yet known. It is possible that SARS-CoV-2 RNA may be detectable in the upper or lower respiratory tract for weeks after illness onset, similar to infection with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. However, detection of viral RNA does not necessarily mean that infectious virus is present. Asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been reported, but it is not yet known what role asymptomatic infection plays in transmission. Similarly, the role of pre-symptomatic transmission (infection detection during the incubation period prior to illness onset) is unknown. Existing literature regarding SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses (e.g. MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV) suggest that the incubation period may range from 2–14 days.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17447"Which body fluids can spread infection?448","Very limited data are available about detection of SARS-CoV-2 and infectious virus in clinical specimens. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected from upper and lower respiratory tract specimens, and SARS-CoV-2 has been isolated from upper respiratory tract specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in blood and stool specimens, but whether infectious virus is present in extrapulmonary specimens is currently unknown. The duration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in upper and lower respiratory tract specimens and in extrapulmonary specimens is not yet known but may be several weeks or longer, which has been observed in cases of MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV infection. While viable, infectious SARS-CoV has been isolated from respiratory, blood, urine, and stool specimens, in contrast – viable, infectious MERS-CoV has only been isolated from respiratory tract specimens. It is not yet known whether other non-respiratory body fluids from an infected person including vomit, urine, breast milk, or semen can contain viable, infectious SARS-CoV-2.","<p>A: Very limited data are available about detection of SARS-CoV-2 and infectious virus in clinical specimens. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected from upper and lower respiratory tract specimens, and SARS-CoV-2 has been isolated from upper respiratory tract specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in blood and stool specimens, but whether infectious virus is present in extrapulmonary specimens is currently unknown. The duration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in upper and lower respiratory tract specimens and in extrapulmonary specimens is not yet known but may be several weeks or longer, which has been observed in cases of MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV infection. While viable, infectious SARS-CoV has been isolated from respiratory, blood, urine, and stool specimens, in contrast – viable, infectious MERS-CoV has only been isolated from respiratory tract specimens. It is not yet known whether other non-respiratory body fluids from an infected person including vomit, urine, breast milk, or semen can contain viable, infectious SARS-CoV-2.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17449Can people who recover from COVID-19 be infected again?,"The immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood. Patients with MERS-CoV infection are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover, but it is not yet known whether similar immune protection will be observed for patients with COVID-19.","The immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood. Patients with MERS-CoV infection are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover, but it is not yet known whether similar immune protection will be observed for patients with COVID-19.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17450How should healthcare personnel protect themselves when evaluating a patient who may have COVID-19?,"Although the transmission dynamics have yet to be determined, CDC currently recommends a cautious approach to persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19. Healthcare personnel evaluating PUI or providing care for patients with confirmed COVID-19 should use, Standard Transmission-based Precautions. See the Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Known or Patients Under Investigation for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings.","<p>A: Although the transmission dynamics have yet to be determined, CDC currently recommends a cautious approach to persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19. Healthcare personnel evaluating PUI or providing care for patients with confirmed COVID-19 should use, Standard Transmission-based Precautions. See the Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Known or Patients Under Investigation for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17451Are pregnant healthcare personnel at increased risk for adverse outcomes if they care for patients with COVID-19?,"Pregnant healthcare personnel (HCP) should follow risk assessment and infection control guidelines for HCP exposed to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Adherence to recommended infection prevention and control practices is an important part of protecting all HCP in healthcare settings. Information on COVID-19 in pregnancy is very limited; facilities may want to consider limiting exposure of pregnant HCP to patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, especially during higher risk procedures (e.g., aerosol-generating procedures) if feasible based on staffing availability.","<p>A: Pregnant healthcare personnel (HCP) should follow risk assessment and infection control guidelines for HCP exposed to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Adherence to recommended infection prevention and control practices is an important part of protecting all HCP in healthcare settings. Information on COVID-19 in pregnancy is very limited; facilities may want to consider limiting exposure of pregnant HCP to patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, especially during higher risk procedures (e.g., aerosol-generating procedures) if feasible based on staffing availability.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17452Should any diagnostic or therapeutic interventions be withheld due to concerns about transmission of COVID-19?,Patients should receive any interventions they would normally receive as standard of care. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be asked to wear a surgical mask as soon as they are identified and be evaluated in a private room with the door closed. Healthcare personnel entering the room should use Standard and Transmission-based Precautions.,"p>A: Patients should receive any interventions they would normally receive as standard of care. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be asked to wear a surgical mask as soon as they are identified and be evaluated in a private room with the door closed. Healthcare personnel entering the room should use <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html"">Standard and Transmission-based Precautions</a>.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17453"How do you test a patient for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19?","See recommendations for reporting, testing, and specimen collection at Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals.","<p>A: See recommendations for reporting, testing, and specimen collection at <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/clinical-criteria.html#criteria-evaluation-pui"">Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals</a>.</p>454",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17455"Will existing respiratory virus panels, such as those manufactured by Biofire or Genmark, detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19?","No. These multi-pathogen molecular assays can detect a number of human respiratory viruses, including other coronaviruses that can cause acute respiratory illness, but they do not detect COVID-19.","<p>A: No. These multi-pathogen molecular assays can detect a number of human respiratory viruses, including other coronaviruses that can cause acute respiratory illness, but they do not detect COVID-19.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17456How is COVID-19 treated?,"Not all patients with COVID-19 will require medical supportive care. Clinical management for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is focused on supportive care of complications, including advanced organ support for respiratory failure, septic shock, and multi-organ failure. Empiric testing and treatment for other viral or bacterial etiologies may be warranted.457Corticosteroids are not routinely recommended for viral pneumonia or ARDS and should be avoided unless they are indicated for another reason (e.g., COPD exacerbation, refractory septic shock following Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines).459There are currently no antiviral drugs licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat COVID-19. Some in-vitro or in-vivo studies suggest potential therapeutic activity of some agents against related coronaviruses, but there are no available data from observational studies or randomized controlled trials in humans to support recommending any investigational therapeutics for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 at this time. Remdesivir, an investigational antiviral drug, was reported to have in-vitro activity against COVID-19. A small number of patients with COVID-19 have received intravenous remdesivir for compassionate use outside of a clinical trial setting. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of remdesivirexternal icon for treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 respiratory disease has been implemented in China. A randomized open label trialexternal icon of combination lopinavir-ritonavir treatment has been also been conducted in patients with COVID-19 in China, but no results are available to date. trials of other potential therapeutics for COVID-19 are being planned. For information on specific clinical trials underway for treatment of patients with COVID-19 infection, see clinicaltrials.govexternal icon.461See Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)","<p>Not all patients with COVID-19 will require medical supportive care. Clinical management for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is focused on supportive care of complications, including advanced organ support for respiratory failure, septic shock, and multi-organ failure. Empiric testing and treatment for other viral or bacterial etiologies may be warranted.</p>463<p>Corticosteroids are not routinely recommended for viral pneumonia or ARDS and should be avoided unless they are indicated for another reason (e.g., COPD exacerbation, refractory septic shock following Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines).</p>464<p>There are currently no antiviral drugs licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat COVID-19. Some <em>in-vitro</em> or <em>in-vivo</em> studies suggest potential therapeutic activity of some agents against related coronaviruses, but there are no available data from observational studies or randomized controlled trials in humans to support recommending any investigational therapeutics for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 at this time. Remdesivir, an investigational antiviral drug, was reported to have in-vitro activity against COVID-19. A small number of patients with COVID-19 have received intravenous remdesivir for compassionate use outside of a clinical trial setting<a href=""https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04257656?cond=remdesivir&draw=2&rank=1"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of remdesivir<span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a> for treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 respiratory disease has been implemented in China. <a href=""https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04252885?cond=coronavirus&draw=2&rank=4"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">A randomized open label trial<span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a> of combination lopinavir-ritonavir treatment has been also been conducted in patients with COVID-19 in China, but no results are available to date. trials of other potential therapeutics for COVID-19 are being planned. For information on specific clinical trials underway for treatment of patients with COVID-19 infection, see <a href=""https://clinicaltrials.gov"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">clinicaltrials.gov<span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a>.</p>465<p>See <a class=""noDecoration"" href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html"">Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)</a></p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17466Should post-exposure prophylaxis be used for people who may have been exposed to COVID-19?,"There is currently no FDA-approved post-exposure prophylaxis for people who may have been exposed to COVID-19. For more information on movement restrictions, monitoring for symptoms, and evaluation after possible exposure to COVID-19 See Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings and Interim U.S Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).","<p>A: There is currently no FDA-approved post-exposure prophylaxis for people who may have been exposed to COVID-19. For more information on movement restrictions, monitoring for symptoms, and evaluation after possible exposure to COVID-19 See <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/risk-assessment.html"">Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings</a> and <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html"">Interim U.S Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).</a></p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17467Whom should healthcare providers notify if they suspect a patient has COVID-19?,Healthcare providers should consult with local or state health departments to determine whether patients meet criteria for a Persons Under Investigation (PUI). Providers should immediately notify infection control personnel at their facility if they suspect COVID-19 in a patient.,"<p>A: Healthcare providers should consult with local or state health departments to determine whether patients meet <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/clinical-criteria.html"">criteria for a Persons Under Investigation (PUI)</a>. Providers should immediately notify infection control personnel at their facility if they suspect COVID-19 in a patient.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17468Do patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 need to be admitted to the hospital?,"Not all patients with COVID-19 require hospital admission. Patients whose clinical presentation warrants in-patient clinical management for supportive medical care should be admitted to the hospital under appropriate isolation precautions. Some patients with an initial mild clinical presentation may worsen in the second week of illness. The decision to monitor these patients in the inpatient or outpatient setting should be made on a case-by-case basis. This decision will depend not only on the clinical presentation, but also on the patient’s ability to engage in monitoring, the ability for safe isolation at home, and the risk of transmission in the patient’s home environment. For more information, see Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Known or Patients Under Investigation for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Healthcare Setting and Interim Guidance for Implementing Home Care of People Not Requiring Hospitalization for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).","<p>A: Not all patients with COVID-19 require hospital admission. Patients whose clinical presentation warrants in-patient clinical management for supportive medical care should be admitted to the hospital under appropriate isolation precautions. Some patients with an initial mild clinical presentation may worsen in the second week of illness. The decision to monitor these patients in the inpatient or outpatient setting should be made on a case-by-case basis. This decision will depend not only on the clinical presentation, but also on the patient’s ability to engage in monitoring, the ability for safe isolation at home, and the risk of transmission in the patient’s home environment. For more information, see <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control.html"">Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Known or Patients Under Investigation for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Healthcare Setting</a> and <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-home-care.html"">Interim Guidance for Implementing Home Care of People Not Requiring Hospitalization for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)</a>.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17469When can patients with confirmed COVID-19 be discharged from the hospital?,"Patients can be discharged from the healthcare facility whenever clinically indicated. Isolation should be maintained at home if the patient returns home before the time period recommended for discontinuation of hospital Transmission-Based Precautions described below.470Decisions to discontinue Transmission-Based Precautions or in-home isolation can be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with clinicians, infection prevention and control specialists, and public health based upon multiple factors, including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and results of laboratory testing for COVID-19 in respiratory specimens.472Criteria to discontinue Transmission-Based Precautions can be found in: Interim Considerations for Disposition of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19","<p>A: Patients can be discharged from the healthcare facility whenever clinically indicated. Isolation should be maintained at home if the patient returns home before the time period recommended for discontinuation of hospital Transmission-Based Precautions described below.</p>474<p>Decisions to discontinue Transmission-Based Precautions or in-home isolation can be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with clinicians, infection prevention and control specialists, and public health based upon multiple factors, including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and results of laboratory testing for COVID-19 in respiratory specimens.</p>475<p>Criteria to discontinue Transmission-Based Precautions can be found in: <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-hospitalized-patients.html"">Interim Considerations for Disposition of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19</a></p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17476Are pregnant healthcare personnel at increased risk for adverse outcomes if they care for patients with COVID-19?,"Pregnant healthcare personnel (HCP) should follow risk assessment and infection control guidelines for HCP exposed to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Adherence to recommended infection prevention and control practices is an important part of protecting all HCP in healthcare settings. Information on COVID-19 in pregnancy is very limited; facilities may want to consider limiting exposure of pregnant HCP to patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, especially during higher risk procedures (e.g., aerosol-generating procedures) if feasible based on staffing availability.","<p>A: Pregnant healthcare personnel (HCP) should follow risk assessment and infection control guidelines for HCP exposed to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Adherence to recommended infection prevention and control practices is an important part of protecting all HCP in healthcare settings. Information on COVID-19 in pregnancy is very limited; facilities may want to consider limiting exposure of pregnant HCP to patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, especially during higher risk procedures (e.g., aerosol-generating procedures) if feasible based on staffing availability.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17477What do I need to know if a patient with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 asks about having a pet or other animal in the home?,See COVID-19 and Animals.,"p>A: See <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#2019-nCoV-and-animals"">COVID-19 and Animals</a>.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Professionals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17478What do waste management companies need to know about wastewater and sewage coming from a healthcare facility or community setting with either a known COVID-19 patient or person under investigation (PUI)?,"Waste generated in the care of PUIs or patients with confirmed COVID-19 does not present additional considerations for wastewater disinfection in the United States. Coronaviruses are susceptible to the same disinfection conditions in community and healthcare settings as other viruses, so current disinfection conditions in wastewater treatment facilities are expected to be sufficient. This includes conditions for practices such as oxidation with hypochlorite (i.e., chlorine bleach) and peracetic acid, as well as inactivation using UV irradiation.","<p>A: Waste generated in the care of PUIs or patients with confirmed COVID-19 does not present additional considerations for wastewater disinfection in the United States. Coronaviruses are susceptible to the same disinfection conditions in community and healthcare settings as other viruses, so current disinfection conditions in wastewater treatment facilities are expected to be sufficient. This includes conditions for practices such as oxidation with hypochlorite (i.e., chlorine bleach) and peracetic acid, as well as inactivation using UV irradiation.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Waste Management,USA,,,en,2020/03/17479Do wastewater and sewage workers need any additional protection when handling untreated waste from healthcare or community setting with either a known COVID-19 patient or PUI?,Wastewater workers should use standard practices including basic hygiene precautions and wear the recommended PPE as prescribed for their current work tasks when handling untreated waste. There is no evidence to suggest that employees of wastewater plants need any additional protections in relation to COVID-19.,"<p>A: Wastewater workers should use standard practices including <a href=""/healthywater/global/sanitation/workers_handlingwaste.html"">basic hygiene precautions</a> and wear the recommended <a href=""/healthywater/global/sanitation/workers_handlingwaste.html"">PPE</a> as prescribed for their current work tasks when handling untreated waste. There is no evidence to suggest that employees of wastewater plants need any additional protections in relation to COVID-19.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Waste Management,USA,,,en,2020/03/17480Should medical waste or general waste from healthcare facilities treating PUIs and patients with confirmed COVID-19 be handled any differently or need any additional disinfection?,"Medical waste (trash) coming from healthcare facilities treating COVID-2019 patients is no different than waste coming from facilities without COVID-19 patients. CDC’s guidance states that management of laundry, food service utensils, and medical waste should be performed in accordance with routine procedures. There is no evidence to suggest that facility waste needs any additional disinfection.481More guidance about environmental infection control is available in section 7 of CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed COVID-19 or Persons Under Investigation for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings.","<p>A: Medical waste (trash) coming from healthcare facilities treating COVID-2019 patients is no different than waste coming from facilities without COVID-19 patients. CDC’s guidance states that management of laundry, food service utensils, and medical waste should be performed in accordance with routine procedures. There is no evidence to suggest that facility waste needs any additional disinfection.</p>483<p>More guidance about environmental infection control is available in section 7 of CDC’s <a href=""/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/infection-control.html"">Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations</a> for Patients with Confirmed COVID-19 or Persons Under Investigation for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html,Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Waste Management,USA,,,en,2020/03/17484"What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn by individuals transporting patients who are confirmed with or under investigation for COVID-19 within a healthcare facility? For example, what PPE should be worn when transporting a patient to radiology for imaging that cannot be performed in the patient room?","In general, transport and movement of the patient outside of their room should be limited to medically essential purposes. If being transported outside of the room, such as to radiology, healthcare personnel (HCP) in the receiving area should be notified in advance of transporting the patient. For transport, the patient should wear a facemask to contain secretions and be covered with a clean sheet.485If transport personnel must prepare the patient for transport (e.g., transfer them to the wheelchair or gurney), transport personnel should wear all recommended PPE (gloves, a gown, respiratory protection that is at least as protective as a fit-tested NIOSH-certified disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirator or facemask—if a respirator is not available—and eye protection [i.e., goggles or disposable face shield that covers the front and sides of the face]). This recommendation is needed because these interactions typically involve close, often face-to-face, contact with the patient in an enclosed space (e.g., patient room). Once the patient has been transferred to the wheelchair or gurney (and prior to exiting the room), transporters should remove their gown, gloves, and eye protection and perform hand hygiene.487If the patient is wearing a facemask, no recommendation for PPE is made typically for HCP transporting patients with a respiratory infection from the patient’s room to the destination. However, given current limitations in knowledge regarding COVID-19 and following the currently cautious approach for risk stratification and monitoring of healthcare personnel caring for patients with COVID-19, use of a facemask by the transporter is recommended for anything more than brief encounters with COVID-19 patients. Additional PPE should not be required unless there is an anticipated need to provide medical assistance during transport (e.g., helping the patient replace a dislodged facemask).489After arrival at their destination, receiving personnel (e.g., in radiology) and the transporter (if assisting with transfer) should perform hand hygiene and wear all recommended PPE. If still wearing their original respirator or facemask, the transporter should take care to avoid self-contamination when donning the remainder of the recommended PPE. This cautious approach will be refined and updated as more information becomes available and as response needs change in the United States.491Interim guidance for EMS personnel transporting patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 is available here. EMS personnel should wear all recommended PPE because they are providing direct medical care and in close contact with the patient for longer periods of time.","<p>In general, transport and movement of the patient outside of their room should be limited to medically essential purposes. If being transported outside of the room, such as to radiology, healthcare personnel (HCP) in the receiving area should be notified in advance of transporting the patient. For transport, the patient should wear a facemask to contain secretions and be covered with a clean sheet.</p>493<p>If transport personnel must prepare the patient for transport (e.g., transfer them to the wheelchair or gurney), transport personnel should wear <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html"">all recommended PPE</a> (gloves, a gown, respiratory protection that is at least as protective as a fit-tested NIOSH-certified disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirator or facemask—if a respirator is not available—and eye protection [i.e., goggles or disposable face shield that covers the front and sides of the face]). This recommendation is needed because these interactions typically involve close, often face-to-face, contact with the patient in an enclosed space (e.g., patient room). Once the patient has been transferred to the wheelchair or gurney (and prior to exiting the room), transporters should remove their gown, gloves, and eye protection and perform hand hygiene.</p>494<p>If the patient is wearing a facemask, no recommendation for PPE is made typically for HCP transporting patients with a respiratory infection from the patient’s room to the destination. However, given current limitations in knowledge regarding COVID-19 and following the currently cautious approach for <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html"">risk stratification and monitoring of healthcare personnel caring for patients with COVID-19</a>, use of a facemask by the transporter is recommended for anything more than brief encounters with COVID-19 patients. Additional PPE should not be required unless there is an anticipated need to provide medical assistance during transport (e.g., helping the patient replace a dislodged facemask).</p>495<p>After arrival at their destination, receiving personnel (e.g., in radiology) and the transporter (if assisting with transfer) should perform hand hygiene and wear <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html"">all recommended PPE</a>. If still wearing their original respirator or facemask, the transporter should take care to avoid self-contamination when donning the remainder of the recommended PPE. This cautious approach will be refined and updated as more information becomes available and as response needs change in the United States.</p>496<p>Interim guidance for EMS personnel transporting patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 is <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-for-ems.html"">available here</a>. EMS personnel should wear all recommended PPE because they are providing direct medical care and in close contact with the patient for longer periods of time.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/infection-prevention-control-faq.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Finfection-prevention-control-faq.html,Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control FAQa for COVID-19,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Infection Prevention,USA,,,en,2020/03/17497"What PPE should be worn by HCP providing care to asymptomatic patients with a history of exposure to COVID-19 who are being evaluated for a non-infectious complaint (e.g., hypertension or hyperglycemia)?","Standard Precautions should be followed when caring for any patient, regardless of suspected or confirmed COVID-19. If the patient is afebrile (temperature is less than 100.0oF) and otherwise without even mild symptoms* that might be consistent with COVID-19 (e.g., cough, sore throat, shortness of breath), then precautions specific to COVID-19 are not required. However, until the patient is determined to be without such symptoms, HCP should wear all recommended PPE for the patient encounter. If the primary evaluation confirms the patient is without symptoms, management and need for any Transmission-Based Precautions should be based with the condition for which they are being evaluated (e.g., patient colonized with a drug-resistant organism), rather than potential exposure to COVID-19.498This public health response is an important opportunity to reinforce the importance of strict adherence to Standard Precautions during all patient encounters. Standard Precautions are based on the principles that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions except sweat, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents. The application of Standard Precautions is determined by the nature of the HCP-patient interaction and the extent of anticipated blood, body fluids, and pathogen exposure. For example, a facemask and eye protection should be worn during the care of any patient if splashes, sprays, or coughs could occur during the patient encounter. Similarly, gloves should be worn if contact with body fluids, mucous membranes, or nonintact skin are anticipated.500*Note: In addition to cough and shortness of breath, nonspecific symptoms such as sore throat, myalgia, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea have been noted as initial symptoms in some cases of COVID-19. These symptoms can have several alternative explanations; however, failure to identify and implement proper precautions in a healthcare setting for persons infected with COVID-19 can contribute to widespread transmission in that facility due to the presence of susceptible patients and close interactions with healthcare personnel. For this reason, a lower temperature of 100.0oF and the inclusion of mild and non-specific symptoms should be used by healthcare settings evaluating these patients to increase the ability to detect even mild cases of COVID-19.","<p>Standard Precautions should be followed when caring for any patient, regardless of suspected or confirmed COVID-19. If the patient is afebrile (temperature is less than 100.0<sup>o</sup>F) and otherwise without even mild symptoms* that might be consistent with COVID-19 (e.g., cough, sore throat, shortness of breath), then precautions specific to COVID-19 are not required. However, until the patient is determined to be without such symptoms, HCP should wear all recommended PPE for the patient encounter. If the primary evaluation confirms the patient is without symptoms, management and need for any Transmission-Based Precautions should be based with the condition for which they are being evaluated (e.g., patient colonized with a drug-resistant organism), rather than potential exposure to COVID-19.</p>502<p>This public health response is an important opportunity to reinforce the importance of strict adherence to Standard Precautions during all patient encounters. Standard Precautions are based on the principles that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions except sweat, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents. The application of Standard Precautions is determined by the nature of the HCP-patient interaction and the extent of anticipated blood, body fluids, and pathogen exposure. For example, a facemask and eye protection should be worn during the care of any patient if splashes, sprays, or coughs could occur during the patient encounter. Similarly, gloves should be worn if contact with body fluids, mucous membranes, or nonintact skin are anticipated.</p>503<p>*Note: In addition to cough and shortness of breath, nonspecific symptoms such as sore throat, myalgia, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea have been noted as initial symptoms in some cases of COVID-19. These symptoms can have several alternative explanations; however, failure to identify and implement proper precautions in a healthcare setting for persons infected with COVID-19 can contribute to widespread transmission in that facility due to the presence of susceptible patients and close interactions with healthcare personnel. For this reason, a lower temperature of 100.0<sup>o</sup>F and the inclusion of mild and non-specific symptoms should be used by healthcare settings evaluating these patients to increase the ability to detect even mild cases of COVID-19.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/infection-prevention-control-faq.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Finfection-prevention-control-faq.html,Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control FAQa for COVID-20,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Infection Prevention,USA,,,en,2020/03/17504What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn by environmental services (EVS) personnel who clean and disinfect rooms of hospitalized patients with COVID-19?,"In general, only essential personnel should enter the room of patients with COVID-19. Healthcare facilities should consider assigning daily cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces to nursing personnel who will already be in the room providing care to the patient. If this responsibility is assigned to EVS personnel, they should wear all recommended PPE when in the room. PPE should be removed upon leaving the room, immediately followed by performance of hand hygiene.505After discharge, terminal cleaning may be performed by EVS personnel. They should delay entry into the room until a sufficient time has elapsed for enough air changes to remove potentially infectious particles. We do not yet know how long SARS-CoV-2 remains infectious in the air. Regardless, EVS personnel should refrain from entering the vacated room until sufficient time has elapsed for enough air changes to remove potentially infectious particles (more information on clearance rates under differing ventilation conditions is available). After this time has elapsed, EVS personnel may enter the room and should wear a gown and gloves when performing terminal cleaning. A facemask and eye protection should be added if splashes or sprays during cleaning and disinfection activities are anticipated or otherwise required based on the selected cleaning products. Shoe covers are not recommended at this time for personnel caring for patients with COVID-19.","<p>In general, only essential personnel should enter the room of patients with COVID-19. Healthcare facilities should consider assigning daily cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces to nursing personnel who will already be in the room providing care to the patient. If this responsibility is assigned to EVS personnel, they should wear all recommended PPE when in the room. PPE should be removed upon leaving the room, immediately followed by performance of hand hygiene.</p>507<p>After discharge, terminal cleaning may be performed by EVS personnel. They should delay entry into the room until a <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/environmental/appendix/air.html#tableb1"">sufficient time has elapsed</a> for enough air changes to remove potentially infectious particles. We do not yet know how long SARS-CoV-2 remains infectious in the air. Regardless, EVS personnel should refrain from entering the vacated room until sufficient time has elapsed for enough air changes to remove potentially infectious particles (more information on <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/environmental/appendix/air.html#tableb1"">clearance rates under differing ventilation conditions</a> is available). After this time has elapsed, EVS personnel may enter the room and should wear a gown and gloves when performing terminal cleaning. A facemask and eye protection should be added if splashes or sprays during cleaning and disinfection activities are anticipated or otherwise required based on the selected cleaning products. Shoe covers are not recommended at this time for personnel caring for patients with COVID-19.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/infection-prevention-control-faq.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Finfection-prevention-control-faq.html,Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control FAQa for COVID-21,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Healthcare Infection Prevention,USA,,,en,2020/03/17508"509What actions should school and childcare program administrators take to plan for an outbreak?","Administrators of childcare programs and K-12 schools should take the following actions to plan and prepare for COVID-19:510Review, update, and implement school emergency operation plans, particularly for infectious disease outbreaks.512Emphasize actions for students and staff to take such as staying home when sick; appropriately covering coughs and sneezes; and washing hands often.513Cleaning frequently touched surfaces.514Monitor and plan for absenteeism.515Review the usual absenteeism patterns at your school among both students and staff.516Review attendance and sick leave policies. Encourage students and staff to stay home when sick. Use flexibility, when possible, to allow staff to stay home to care for sick family members.517Alert local health officials about increases in absences, particularly those that appear due to respiratory illnesses.518Monitor and plan for addressing fear and bullying related to COVID-19.519Communicate early and repeatedly with parents directly what the policies and procedures will be to allow parents to assure proper guardianship and care of children.","<p>Administrators of childcare programs and K-12 schools should take the following actions to plan and prepare for COVID-19:</p>520<ul>521<li>Review, update, and implement school emergency operation plans, particularly for infectious disease outbreaks.</li>522<li>Emphasize actions for students and staff to take such as staying home when sick; appropriately covering coughs and sneezes; and washing hands often.</li>523<li>Cleaning frequently touched surfaces.</li>524<li>Monitor and plan for absenteeism.525<ul>526<li>Review the usual absenteeism patterns at your school among both students and staff.</li>527<li>Review attendance and sick leave policies. Encourage students and staff to stay home when sick. Use flexibility, when possible, to allow staff to stay home to care for sick family members.</li>528<li>Alert local health officials about increases in absences, particularly those that appear due to respiratory illnesses.</li>529</ul>530</li>531<li>Monitor and plan for addressing fear and bullying related to COVID-19.</li>532<li>Communicate early and repeatedly with parents directly what the policies and procedures will be to allow parents to assure proper guardianship and care of children.</li>533</ul>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Planning and Preparedness,USA,,,en,2020/03/17534What actions can staff and students take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in my school/childcare program?,"Encourage students and staff to take everyday preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as staying home when sick; appropriately covering coughs and sneezes; cleaning frequently touched surfaces; and washing hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Remember to supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in childcare facilities.","<p>Encourage students and staff to take <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html"">everyday preventive actions</a> to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as staying home when sick; appropriately covering coughs and sneezes; cleaning frequently touched surfaces; and washing hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Remember to supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in childcare facilities.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Planning and Preparedness,USA,,,en,2020/03/17535What steps should my school take if a student or staff member shows symptoms of COVID-19?,You should establish procedures to ensure students and staff who become sick at school or who arrive at school sick are sent home as soon as possible. Keep sick students and staff separate from well students and staff until sick students and staff can be sent home.,<p>You should establish procedures to ensure students and staff who become sick at school or who arrive at school sick are sent home as soon as possible. Keep sick students and staff separate from well students and staff until sick students and staff can be sent home.</p>,https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Planning and Preparedness,USA,,,en,2020/03/17536Should my school screen students for cases of COVID-19?,"Schools and childcare programs are not expected to screen children, students, or staff to identify cases of COVID-19. The majority of respiratory illnesses are not COVID-19. If a community or school has cases of COVID-19, local health officials will help identify those individuals and will follow up on next steps.","<p>Schools and childcare programs are <strong>not expected </strong>to screen children, students, or staff to identify cases of COVID-19. The majority of respiratory illnesses are not COVID-19. If a community or school has cases of COVID-19, local health officials will help identify those individuals and will follow up on next steps.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Planning and Preparedness,USA,,,en,2020/03/17537What environmental cleaning procedures should my school take to keep staff and students healthy?,"Perform routine environmental cleaning. Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with cleaners that you typically use. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label. Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, desks, remote controls) can be wiped down by students and staff before each use.","<p>Perform routine environmental cleaning. Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with cleaners that you typically use. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label. Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, desks, remote controls) can be wiped down by students and staff before each use.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Planning and Preparedness,USA,,,en,2020/03/17538"What resources does CDC have available to share with staff, students, and parents?","Share resources with the school community to help them understand COVID-19 and steps they can take to protect themselves:539CDC’s health communication resources541CDC information on stigma and COVID-19542CDC information on COVID-19 and children543CDC offers several free handwashing resources that include health promotion materials, information on proper handwashing technique, and tips for families to help children develop good handwashing habits.544Other health and education professional organizations may also have helpful resources your school can use or share, such as the American Academy of Pediatricsexternal icon545CDC’s information on helping children cope with emergencies546Stigma prevention and facts about COVID-19","<p>Share resources with the school community to help them understand COVID-19 and steps they can take to protect themselves:</p>547<ul>548<li>CDC’s <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/index.html"">health communication resources</a></li>549<li>CDC information on <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/related-stigma.html"">stigma and COVID-19</a></li>550<li>CDC information on <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/children-faq.html"">COVID-19 and children</a></li>551<li>CDC offers several free handwashing resources that include <a href=""http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/materials.html"">health promotion materials</a>, information on <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html"">proper handwashing technique</a>, and tips for families to help children develop good handwashing habits.</li>552<li>Other health and education professional organizations may also have helpful resources your school can use or share, such as the <a href=""https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-play/Pages/When-to-Keep-Your-Child-Home-from-Child-Care.aspx"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""org"">American Academy of Pediatrics<span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a></li>553<li>CDC’s information on <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html"">helping children cope with emergencies</a></li>554<li><a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/related-stigma.html"">Stigma prevention and facts about COVID-19</a></li>555</ul>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Planning and Preparedness,USA,,,en,2020/03/17556What actions should my school take if a sick student or staff member attended school before being confirmed as a COVID-19 case?,"Local health officials may recommend temporary school dismissals. Local health officials’ recommendations for the scope (e.g., a single school, a full district) and duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis based on the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the impacted community. Dismissals may be 14 days or longer, depending on the situation in your community.557Schools should work with the local health department and other relevant leadership to communicate the possible COVID-19 exposure to the school community. This communication to the school community should align with the communication plan in the school’s emergency operations plan. In such a circumstance, it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the student or staff member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.558If a child or staff member has been identified with COVID-19, school and program administrators should seek guidance from local health officials to determine when students and staff should return to schools and what additional steps are needed for the school community. In addition, students and staff who are well but are taking care of or share a home with someone with a case of COVID-19 should follow instructions from local health officials to determine when to return to school.","<ul>559<li><strong>Local health officials may recommend temporary school dismissals.</strong> Local health officials’ recommendations for the scope (e.g., a single school, a full district) and duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis based on the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the impacted community. Dismissals may be 14 days or longer, depending on the situation in your community.</li>560<li><strong>Schools should work with the local health department and other relevant leadership to communicate the possible COVID-19 exposure to the school community</strong>. This communication to the school community should align with the communication plan in the school’s emergency operations plan. In such a circumstance, it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the student or staff member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.</li>561<li><strong>If a child or staff member has been identified with COVID-19, school and program administrators should seek guidance from local health officials to determine when students and staff should return to schools and what additional steps are needed for the school community. </strong>In addition, students and staff who are well but are taking care of or share a home with someone with a case of COVID-19 should follow instructions from local health officials to determine when to return to school.</li>562</ul>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Responding to comfirmed COVID-19 cases,USA,,,en,2020/03/17563What should I do if my school experiences increased rates of absenteeism?,"If your school notices a substantial increase in the number of students or staff missing school due to illness, report this to your local health officials.","<p>If your school notices a substantial increase in the number of students or staff missing school due to illness, report this to your local health officials.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Responding to comfirmed COVID-19 cases,USA,,,en,2020/03/17564Should I close our school/childcare program if there's been COVID-19 cases in my school?,"You may need to use temporary school dismissals of 14 days, or possibly longer, if a student or staff member attended school before being confirmed as having COVID-19. Any decision about school dismissal or cancellation of school events should be made in coordination with your local health officials. Schools are not expected to make decisions about dismissal and event cancellation independent of their local health officials. Dismissal and event cancellation decisions should be considered on a case-by-case basis using information from health officials about the local conditions.","<p>You may need to use temporary school dismissals of 14 days, or possibly longer, if a student or staff member attended school before being confirmed as having COVID-19. Any decision about school dismissal or cancellation of school events should be made in coordination with your local health officials. Schools are not expected to make decisions about dismissal and event cancellation independent of their local health officials. Dismissal and event cancellation decisions should be considered on a case-by-case basis using information from health officials about the local conditions.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),School Dismissals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17565"If our school is dismissed, how long should we dismiss school for?","The length (duration), geographic scope, and public health objective of school dismissals may be reassessed and changed as the local outbreak situation evolves. At this time, the recommendation is for at least 14 days. This recommendation may be updated as the situation evolves.","<p>The length (duration), geographic scope, and public health objective of school dismissals may be reassessed and changed as the local outbreak situation evolves. At this time, the recommendation is for at least 14 days. This recommendation may be updated as the situation evolves.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),School Dismissals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17566Are there ways for students to keep learning if we decide to dismiss schools?,"Yes, many schools may use e-learning plans and distance learning options for continuity of education, if available. Your school or district’s emergency operations plan should have recommended strategies for ensuring continuity of education and may provide guidance on how to proceed during a school dismissal. In addition, you may be able to use and/or scale up approaches used in other situations when students have not been able to attend school (e.g. inclement weather, facility damage, power outages).","><p>Yes, many schools may use e-learning plans and distance learning options for continuity of education, if available. Your school or district’s emergency operations plan should have recommended strategies for ensuring continuity of education and may provide guidance on how to proceed during a school dismissal. In addition, you may be able to use and/or scale up approaches used in other situations when students have not been able to attend school (e.g. inclement weather, facility damage, power outages).</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),School Dismissals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17567"If I make the decision for a school dismissal, what else should I consider?","In the event of a school dismissal, extracurricular group activities and large events, such as performances, field trips, and sporting events should also be cancelled. This may require close coordination with other partners and organizations (e.g., high school athletics associations, music associations). In addition, discourage students and staff from gathering or socializing anywhere, like at a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant, or the local shopping mall.568Ensure continuity of meal programs for your students. Consider ways to distribute food to students who receive free or reduced cost meals. Check with the US Department of Agriculture – Food and Nutrition Service for additional information: https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/USDAfoodsPandemicSchools.external icon If there is community spread of COVID-19, design strategies to avoid distribution in settings where people might gather in a group or crowd. Consider options such as “grab-and-go” bagged lunches or meal delivery.570Consider alternatives for providing essential medical and social services for students. Continue providing necessary services for children with special healthcare needs, or work with the state Title V Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program.","<p>In the event of a school dismissal, extracurricular group activities and large events, such as performances, field trips, and sporting events should also be cancelled. This may require close coordination with other partners and organizations (e.g., high school athletics associations, music associations). In addition, discourage students and staff from gathering or socializing anywhere, like at a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant, or the local shopping mall.</p>572<p>Ensure continuity of meal programs for your students. Consider ways to distribute food to students who receive free or reduced cost meals. Check with the US Department of Agriculture – Food and Nutrition Service for additional information: <a href=""https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/USDAfoodsPandemicSchools"" class=""tp-link-policy"" data-domain-ext=""gov"">https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/USDAfoodsPandemicSchools.<span class=""sr-only"">external icon</span><span class=""fi cdc-icon-external x16 fill-external"" aria-hidden=""true""></span></a> If there is community spread of COVID-19, design strategies to avoid distribution in settings where people might gather in a group or crowd. Consider options such as “grab-and-go” bagged lunches or meal delivery.</p>573<p>Consider alternatives for providing essential medical and social services for students. Continue providing necessary services for children with special healthcare needs, or work with the state Title V Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),School Dismissals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17574"If we dismiss school, what do we need to consider when re-opening the building to students?","CDC is currently working on additional guidance to help schools determine when and how to re-open their buildings to students. If you need immediate assistance with this, consult local health officials for guidance.","<p>CDC is currently working on additional guidance to help schools determine when and how to re-open their buildings to students. If you need immediate assistance with this, consult local health officials for guidance.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),School Dismissals,USA,,,en,2020/03/17575"What should we do if a child, student, or staff member has recently traveled to an area with COVID-19 or has a family member who has traveled to an area with COVID-19?","Review updated CDC information for travelers, including FAQ for travelers, and consult with state and local health officials. Health officials may use CDC’s Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings to make recommendations. Individuals returning from travel to areas with community spread of COVID-19 must follow guidance they have received from health officials.","<p>Review updated <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html"">CDC information for travelers</a>, including <a href=""https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html"">FAQ for travelers</a>, and consult with state and local health officials. Health officials may use CDC’s Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings to make recommendations. Individuals returning from travel to areas with community spread of COVID-19 must follow guidance they have received from health officials.</p>",https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html,K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs,Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Recent Travel,USA,,,en,2020/03/17576What is a coronavirus?,"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.","<p>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.</p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17577What is COVID-19?,"COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.","<p>COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. </p>578",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17579What are the symptoms of COVID-19?,"The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention."," <p>The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.</p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17580How does COVID-19 spread?,"People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.581WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share updated findings. ","<p>People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick. </p><p>WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share updated findings. </p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17583Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be transmitted through the air?,Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air. See previous answer on “How does COVID-19 spread?”,<p>Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air. See previous answer on “How does COVID-19 spread?”</p>,https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17584Can CoVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms?,"The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the period of transmission of COVID-19 and will continue to share updated findings. ","<p>The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the period of transmission of COVID-19 and will continue to share updated findings. </p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17585Can I catch COVID-19 from the feces of someone with the disease?,"The risk of catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears to be low. While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in feces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the outbreak. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share new findings. Because this is a risk, however, it is another reason to clean hands regularly, after using the bathroom and before eating. ","<p>The risk of catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears to be low. While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in feces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the outbreak. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share new findings. Because this is a risk, however, it is another reason to clean hands regularly, after using the bathroom and before eating. </p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17586What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?,"Protection measures for everyone587Stay 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.589You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:591Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.593Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.594Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.595Why? 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 if the person coughing has the disease.596Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.597Why? 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.598Make 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. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.599Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.600Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.601Why? 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.602Keep 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 an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.603Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.604Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading609Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)611Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people.612Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.613If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.614Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.","<p class=""sf-accordion__summary"">615<h3>Protection measures for everyone</h3><p></p><p>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.</p><p>You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:</p><p></p><ul type=""disc""><li>Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.<br />Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.</li><li>Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.<br />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 if the person coughing has the disease.</li><li>Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.<br />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.</li><li>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. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.<br />Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.</li><li>Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.<br />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.</li><li>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 an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.<br />Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.</li></ul><p> </p><p style=""margin-left:30px;""><br /></p><h3>Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading</h3><ul type=""circle""><li>Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone) </li><li>Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people.<br />Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.</li><li>If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.<br />Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div><div><p> </p></div></div>616</p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17617How likely am I to catch COVID-19?,"The risk depends on where you are - and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there.618For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings. Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.620COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can emerge rapidly. It’s important to be aware of the situation where you are or intend to go. WHO publishes daily updates on the COVID-19 situation worldwide.622You can see these at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/","<p>The risk depends on where you are - and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there. </p><p>For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings. Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.</p><p>COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can emerge rapidly. It’s important to be aware of the situation where you are or intend to go. WHO publishes daily updates on the COVID-19 situation worldwide. <br /></p><p>You can see these at <a href=""/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports"">https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/</a> </p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17624Should I worry about COVID-19?,"Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.625We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.627Learn more about how to protect yourself at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public","<p><p>Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones. </p>We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings. <p>Learn more about how to protect yourself at <a href=""/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public"" style=""text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;white-space:inherit;word-spacing:normal;"">https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public</a></p></p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17628Who is at risk of developing severe illness?,"While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others. ","<p>While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others. </p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17629Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19?,"No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection. ","<p>No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection. </p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17630Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?,"While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings are available.","<p>While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings are available.</p><p> </p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17631"Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?","Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.632Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19.634The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. (See Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus).","<p>Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care. </p><p>Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19. </p>The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. <span style=""background-color:transparent;color:#3c4245;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;white-space:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;"">(See </span><a href=""/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks"" style=""font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;white-space:inherit;word-spacing:normal;"">Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus</a><span style=""background-color:transparent;color:#3c4245;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;white-space:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;"">).</span><p> </p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17636Is COVID-19 the same as SARS?,"No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other genetically, but the diseases they cause are quite different.637SARS was more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19. There have been no outbreaks of SARS anywhere in the world since 2003.","<p>No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other genetically, but the diseases they cause are quite different. </p><p>SARS was more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19. There have been no outbreaks of SARS anywhere in the world since 2003.</p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17639Should I wear a mask to protect myself?,"Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.640WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources and mis-use of masks (see Advice on the use of masks).642The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. See basic protective measures against the new coronavirus for more information.644","<p>Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.</p><p>WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources and mis-use of masks (<a href=""/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks"">see Advice on the use of masks</a>). </p><p>The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. See <a href=""/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks"">basic protective measures against the new coronavirus</a> for more information.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>645",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17646"How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask?","Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.647Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water648Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.649Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).650Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side).651Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.652Pull down the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.653After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.654Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use.655Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask – Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water.","<ol><li><span style=""background-color:transparent;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;white-space:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;font-size:inherit;"">Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.</span></li><li>Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water</li><li>Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.</li><li>Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).</li><li>Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side).</li><li>Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.</li><li>Pull down the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.</li><li>After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask. </li><li>Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use.</li><li>Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask – Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water.</li></ol>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17656How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?,"The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.","<p>The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.</p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17657Can humans become infected with the COVID-19 from an animal source?,"Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Occasionally, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed.658To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.","<p></p><p>Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Occasionally, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed. </p><p>To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.</p><p></p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17660Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?,"While there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.661WHO continues to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID-19 topics and will update as new findings are available.663","<p>While there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly. <br /></p><p>WHO continues to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID-19 topics and will update as new findings are available.</p><p> </p><p></p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17664How long does the virus survive on surfaces?,"It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).665If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose","<p>It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).</p><p>If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.</p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17667Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported?,"Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. ","<p>Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. </p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17668Is there anything I should not do?,"The following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful:669Smoking671Wearing multiple masks672Taking antibiotics (See question 10 ""Are there any medicines of therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?"")673In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be sure to share your recent travel history with your health care provider.","<p>The following measures <strong><span style=""text-decoration:underline;"">ARE NOT</span></strong> effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful:</p><ul><li>Smoking</li><li>Wearing multiple masks</li><li>Taking antibiotics (See question 10 ""<em>Are there any medicines of therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?</em>"")</li></ul><p><strong>In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early</strong> to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be sure to share your recent travel history with your health care provider.</p>",https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses,Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19),World Health Organization (WHO),,,,,en,2020/03/17674What should I do if I have symptoms or have been exposed?,"Call your healthcare provider, or call before going to the emergency room.675We have guidance available for people who have or think they may have COVID-19:676What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)677What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)678What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (PDF)","<ul class=""linklist"">679<li>Call your healthcare provider, or call before going to the emergency room.</li>680<li>We have guidance available for people who have or think they may have COVID-19:681<ul class=""linklist"">682<li><u><a href=""/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDcasepositive_3.15.20.pdf"">What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)</a></u> </li>683<li><u><a href=""/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDexposed.pdf"">What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)</a></u></li>684<li><u><a href=""/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDconcerned_3.15.20.pdf"">What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (PDF)</a></u></li>685</ul>686</li>687</ul>",https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus,2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19),Washington State Department of Health,Symptoms and Testing,USA,Washington,,en,2020/03/17688How do I get tested?,"If you have symptoms, call your healthcare provider.689Learn more about testing.","<ul class=""linklist"">690<li>If you have symptoms, call your healthcare provider.</li>691<li><a href=""/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020/TestingforCOVID19"">Learn more about testing</a>.</li>692</ul>",https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus,2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19),Washington State Department of Health,Symptoms and Testing,USA,Washington,,en,2020/03/17693What's the current risk?,"The risk posed by a virus outbreak depends on factors including how well it spreads between people, the severity of the illness it causes, and the medical or other measures we have to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccine or treatment medications).694COVID-19 is spreading in several communities in Washington, the risk of exposure is increasing for people who live in our state.696Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.697Those who have had close contact with persons with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.698Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring are at elevated risk of exposure.699Our knowledge of COVID-19 is still rapidly evolving. The risk assessment will be updated as needed.","<p>The risk posed by a virus outbreak depends on factors including how well it spreads between people, the severity of the illness it causes, and the medical or other measures we have to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccine or treatment medications).</p>700<ul class=""condensed"">702<li>COVID-19 is spreading in several communities in Washington, the risk of exposure is increasing for people who live in our state.</li>703<li>Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.</li>704<li>Those who have had close contact with persons with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.</li>705<li>Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring are at elevated risk of exposure.</li>706</ul>707<p>Our knowledge of COVID-19 is still rapidly evolving. The risk assessment will be updated as needed.</p>",https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus,2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19),Washington State Department of Health,,USA,Washington,,en,2020/03/17709How can people protect themselves?,"There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). This occurs 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. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Every person has a role to play. So much of protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:710Washing hands with soap and water.712Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.713Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.714Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.715Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.716Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.717Following guidance from public health officials.718Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.719","There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). This occurs 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. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Every person has a role to play. So much of protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense: </p><ul style=""list-style-type: disc;""><li>Washing hands with soap and water.<br/></li><li>Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.<br/></li><li>Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.</li><li>Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.<br/></li><li>Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.</li><li>Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.</li><li>Following guidance from public health officials.<br/></li></ul><div>Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17720Who is at Higher Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19?,"Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:721Older adults (65+)723Individuals with compromised immune systems724Individuals who have serious chronic medical conditions like:725Heart disease726Diabetes727Lung disease728If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or health condition, it is important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease, including:729Isolate at home and practice social distancing.731Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.732Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.733Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay away from large gatherings and crowds.734Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks.735It is also important that you listen to public health officials who may recommend community actions to reduce potential exposure to COVID-19, especially if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.736For more information visit the CDC's website.738","<p>Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:</p><ul style=""list-style-type: disc;""><li>Older adults (65+)<br/></li><li>Individuals with compromised immune systems</li><li>Individuals who have serious chronic medical conditions like:</li><ul style=""list-style-type: disc;""><li>Heart disease</li><li>Diabetes<br/></li><li>Lung disease</li></ul></ul><p>If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or health condition, it is important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease, including: </p><ul style=""list-style-type: disc;""><ul style=""list-style-type: disc;""><li>Isolate at home and practice social distancing.<br/></li><li>Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.</li><li>Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.</li><li>Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay away from large gatherings and crowds.</li><li>Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks.</li></ul></ul><p>It is also important that you listen to public health officials who may recommend community actions to reduce potential exposure to COVID-19, especially if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.</p><p>For more information visit the <a title=""Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) People at Risk for Serious Illness web page"" href=""https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com_-3Furl-3Dhttps-253A-252F-252Furldefense.proofpoint.com-252Fv2-252Furl-253Fu-253Dhttps-2D3A-5F-5Fwww.cdc.gov-5Fcoronavirus-5F2019-2D2Dncov-5Fspecific-2D2Dgroups-5Fhigh-2D2Drisk-2D2Dcomplications.html-2526d-253DDwMFAg-2526c-253DLr0a7ed3egkbwePCNW4ROg-2526r-253Dlxj9wEtqoEBAma-2DTvya2HHzMHlIs09hc7DK0RmkepS4-2526m-253DV2EVxRMTi5FAHDCdmRHFtUjpfIcsPoV9Gr6n20dAmwM-2526s-253DjPgSs8PrxNImeRpRsS6ThZG41cHTT68xerAZhgShHYw-2526e-253D-26data-3D02-257C01-257CRodger.Butler-2540CHHS.CA.GOV-257C333b0df2a3b04298b3ff08d7c475a830-257C265c2dcd2a6e43aab2e826421a8c8526-257C0-257C0-257C637193881931550319-26sdata-3D1ZpwgACOG4mLCcu92UIEQa3evk2-252BsdS7xf97w03pIc4-253D-26reserved-3D0&d=DwMFAg&c=Lr0a7ed3egkbwePCNW4ROg&r=A8VAk1UqlhJEq2Og-b-nDxDHMjfghjmh7lKv268JP9I&m=8Faq2TFd13Q6GR3KgFju2VLsozgp8W9V8OBM9FIG4Y4&s=HQvG44tZ46a0QqG4yAJ-3XCE02YE9VANU3uOJjb6ci0&e="">CDC's website</a>.<br/></p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17739What should you do if you think you're sick?,"Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19 or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.","<p><strong>Call ahead:</strong> If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19 or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.</p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17740"What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?741","Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. This novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known.742",<p>Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. This novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known.</p>,https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17743"What are the symptoms of COVID-19?744","Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including:745Fever747Cough748Shortness of breath749COVID-19 can cause more severe respiratory illness.","<p>Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including:</p><ul style=""list-style-type: disc;""><li>Fever</li><li>Cough</li><li>Shortness of breath</li></ul><p>COVID-19 can cause more severe respiratory illness.</p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17750"What is the treatment for COVID-19?751","From the international data we have, of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, approximately 80 percent do not exhibit symptoms that would require hospitalization. For patients who are more severely ill, hospitals can provide supportive care. We are continuing to learn more about this novel coronavirus and treatment may change over time. ","<p>From the international data we have, of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, approximately 80 percent do not exhibit symptoms that would require hospitalization. For patients who are more severely ill, hospitals can provide supportive care. We are continuing to learn more about this novel coronavirus and treatment may change over time. </p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17752"How is it decided whether a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19 can self-isolate at home or must be confined to a hospital or elsewhere?753","Local health departments are working in partnership with the California Department of Public Health and the CDC, and making determinations on whether a person ill with COVID-19 requires hospitalization or if home isolation is appropriate. That decision may be based on multiple factors including severity of illness, need for testing, and appropriateness of home for isolation purposes.754","<p>Local health departments are working in partnership with the California Department of Public Health and the CDC, and making determinations on whether a person ill with COVID-19 requires hospitalization or if home isolation is appropriate. That decision may be based on multiple factors including severity of illness, need for testing, and appropriateness of home for isolation purposes.</p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17755"What is the difference between COVID-19 and other coronaviruses?756","Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. There are some coronaviruses that commonly circulate in humans. These viruses cause mild to moderate respiratory illness, although rarely they can cause severe disease. COVID-19 is closely related to two other animal coronaviruses that have caused outbreaks in people—the SARS coronavirus and the MERS (middle east respiratory syndrome) coronavirus.757","<p>Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. There are some coronaviruses that commonly circulate in humans. These viruses cause mild to moderate respiratory illness, although rarely they can cause severe disease. COVID-19 is closely related to two other animal coronaviruses that have caused outbreaks in people—the SARS coronavirus and the MERS (middle east respiratory syndrome) coronavirus. </p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17758"Is California able to test for COVID-19?759","Eighteen public health labs in California are testing for COVID-19. These labs include the California Department of Public Health's Laboratory in Richmond, Alameda, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Monterey, Napa-Solano-Yolo-Marin (located in Solano), Orange, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Shasta, Sonoma, Tulare and Ventura County public health laboratories. The Richmond Laboratory will provide diagnostic testing within a 48-hour turnaround time. More public health labs will soon be able to test for COVID-19. This means California public health officials will get test results sooner, so that patients will get the best care.760","<p>Eighteen public health labs in California are testing for COVID-19. These labs include the California Department of Public Health's Laboratory in Richmond, Alameda, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Monterey, Napa-Solano-Yolo-Marin (located in Solano), Orange, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Shasta, Sonoma, Tulare and Ventura County public health laboratories. The Richmond Laboratory will provide diagnostic testing within a 48-hour turnaround time. More public health labs will soon be able to test for COVID-19. This means California public health officials will get test results sooner, so that patients will get the best care. <br/></p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17761"Should public events be cancelled?762","The California Department of Public Health has determined that gatherings should be postponed or canceled across the state until at least the end of March. Non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people, while smaller events can proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person. Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines.763The updated PDF guidance is available.","<p>The California Department of Public Health has determined that gatherings should be postponed or canceled across the state until at least the end of March. Non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people, while smaller events can proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person. Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines.</p><p>The<a href=""/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Gathering_Guidance_03.11.20.pdf"" target=""_blank""> updated PDF guidance</a> is available.<br/></p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17765"Is it safe to go to restaurants and bars?766","California public health officials have directed bars, night clubs, breweries and wine tasting rooms to close. Restaurants should focus on food delivery and takeout while maximizing social distancing for those who are inside their restaurant.767Food, Beverage and Other Services Guidance (PDF).","<p>California public health officials have directed bars, night clubs, breweries and wine tasting rooms to close. Restaurants should focus on food delivery and takeout while maximizing social distancing for those who are inside their restaurant.</p><p><a href=""/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Coronavirus%20Disease%202019%20and%20Food%20Beverage%20Other%20Services%20-%20AOL.pdf"" target=""_blank"">Food, Beverage and Other Services Guidance  (PDF)</a>.<br/></p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17769"What is Social Distancing?770","Social distancing is a practice recommended by public health officials to stop or slow down the spread of contagious diseases. It requires the creation of physical space between individuals who may spread certain infectious diseases. The key is to minimize the number of gatherings as much as possible and to achieve space between individuals when events or activities cannot be modified, postponed, or canceled. Although the Department of Public Health expects most events with more than 250 attendees to be postponed or canceled, we emphasize that the venue space does matter. Achieving space between individuals of approximately six feet is advisable. Additionally, there is a particular focus on creating space between individuals who have come together on a one-time or rare basis and who have very different travel patterns such as those coming from multiple countries, states or counties.","<p>Social distancing is a practice recommended by public health officials to stop or slow down the spread of contagious diseases. It requires the creation of physical space between individuals who may spread certain infectious diseases. The key is to minimize the number of gatherings as much as possible and to achieve space between individuals when events or activities cannot be modified, postponed, or canceled. Although the Department of Public Health expects most events with more than 250 attendees to be postponed or canceled, we emphasize that the venue space does matter. Achieving space between individuals of approximately six feet is advisable. Additionally, there is a particular focus on creating space between individuals who have come together on a one-time or rare basis and who have very different travel patterns such as those coming from multiple countries, states or counties.<br/></p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17771"Should I wear a mask?772","The California Department of Public Health, along with the CDC, does not recommend that healthy people wear masks at this time. However, masks are recommended to limit the spread of disease for people who are exhibiting respiratory symptoms.773","<p>The California Department of Public Health, along with the CDC, does not recommend that healthy people wear masks at this time. However, masks are recommended to limit the spread of disease for people who are exhibiting respiratory symptoms.<br/></p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17774"What if I have symptoms?775","Patient: If a person develops symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough or shortness of breath, and has reason to believe they may have been exposed, they should call their health care provider before seeking care. Contacting them in advance will make sure that people can get the care they need without putting others at risk. Please be sure to tell your health care provider about your travel history. You can also take the following precautionary measures: avoid contact with sick individuals, wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.776Health Care Provider: Patients who may have infection with this novel coronavirus should wear a surgical mask and be placed in an airborne infection isolation room. If an airborne infection isolation room is not available, the patient should be placed in a private room with the door closed. Health care providers should use standard, contact and airborne precautions and use eye protection. Please see ""Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China"" for more information about infection control. The Public Health Department will issue All Facility Letters to regulated healthcare facilities within California with updated information and guidance; these can be found on the AFL webpage. ","<span style=""font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline;"">Patient:</span> If a person develops symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough or shortness of breath, and has reason to believe they may have been exposed, they should call their health care provider before seeking care. Contacting them in advance will make sure that people can get the care they need without putting others at risk. Please be sure to tell your health care provider about your travel history. You can also take the following precautionary measures: avoid contact with sick individuals, wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.</div><div class=""NewsItemContent"" style=""font-size: 18px;""><span style=""text-decoration-line: underline;""><span style=""font-weight: 700;"">Health Care Provider</span></span>: Patients who may have infection with this novel coronavirus should wear a surgical mask and be placed in an airborne infection isolation room. If an airborne infection isolation room is not available, the patient should be placed in a private room with the door closed. Health care providers should use standard, contact and airborne precautions and use eye protection. Please see "<a href=""https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00426.asp"" target=""_blank"" rel=""noopener noreferrer"" data-auth=""NotApplicable"">Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China</a>" for more information about infection control. The Public Health Department will issue All Facility Letters to regulated healthcare facilities within California with updated information and guidance; these can be found on the <a href=""/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/LNCAFL20.aspx"">AFL webpage</a>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17777"What should I do if I am unable to work after being exposed to COVID-19?778","Individuals who are unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim.779Disability Insurance provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50 - $1,300 a week.781Californians who are unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim.783Paid Family Leave provides up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligibile workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.785For more information related to resources for California's Employers and Workers, please visit this Labor and Workforce Development Agency webpage.787","<p>Individuals who are unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can <a title=""file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim."" href=""https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_DI_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm/t_blank"" target=""_blank""><span lang=""EN"">file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim</span></a><span lang=""EN"">.</span></p>788<p>Disability Insurance provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50 - $1,300 a week.</p>789<p>Californians who are unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can <a title=""file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim."" href=""https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm/t_blank"" target=""_blank""><span lang=""EN"">file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim</span></a><span lang=""EN"">.</span></p><p><span lang=""EN"">Paid Family Leave provides up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligibile workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.<font size=""4"" face=""Arial"" color=""#202020""></font></span></p><p><span lang=""EN"">For more information related to resources for California's Employers and Workers, please visit this <a title=""Labor and Workforce Agency"" href=""https://www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/"">Labor and Workforce Development Agency webpage. </a><br/></span></p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17790"What is the state doing to protect our health?791","California has been actively and extensively planning with our local public health and health care delivery systems. Here are some of the things we are already doing:792As in any public health event, our Medical and Health Coordination Center has been activated and is coordinating response efforts across the state and preparing for possible community transmission.794In coordination with the CDC, state and local health departments, we are actively responding to cases of COVID-19.795The Public Health Department is supporting hospitals and local public health laboratories in the collection of specimens and testing for COVID-19.796California activated the State Operations Center to its highest level to coordinate response efforts across the state.797Governor Gavin Newsom requested the Legislature make up to $20 million available for state government to respond to the spread of COVID-19.798California made available some of its emergency planning reserves of 21 million N95 filtering facepiece masks for use in certain health care settings to ease shortages of personal protective equipment.799We are providing information, guidance documents, and technical support to local health departments, health care facilities, providers, schools, universities, colleges, elder care and congregate living facilities and childcare facilities across California.800California obtained approval to provide meal service during school closures to minimize potential exposure to the coronavirus. These meals are available at no cost to low-income children – and are not required to be served in a group setting – to ensure kids receive nutritious meals while schools are temporarily closed.801The state directed mass gatherings be postponed or cancelled to slow the spread of the virus.802The Franchise Tax Board is providing a 90-day extension to file California tax returns for taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.803CalTrans launched a statewide educational campaign on more than 700 electronic highway signs, urging all Californians to be more diligent about containing the spread of the virus.804The state is allowing local and state legislative bodies to hold meetings via conference calls while still meeting state transparency requirements.805The California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency released guidance for homeless assistance providers in the state.806The California Department of Public Health is coordinating with federal authorities and local health departments that have implemented screening, monitoring and, in some cases, quarantine of returning travelers.807In coordination with state and local health departments, we have actively managed suspect and confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients.808California worked in partnership with the federal government to aid in the safe return of 962 Californians from the Grand Princess cruise ship. This mission centered around protecting the health of the passengers, and ensuring that when the passengers disembarked, the public health of the United States, the State of California, and partner communities was protected.80924 million more Californians are now eligible for free medically necessary COVID-19 testing.810The state is taking aggressive social distancing steps - bars, night clubs, breweries and wine tasting rooms should close and restaurants should focus on food delivery and takeout while maximizing social distancing for those who are inside their restaurant.811California is recommending older Californians (65+) socially isolate in their homes.812The state is providing safe, wrap around services to vulnerable residents who are isolating at home – ramping up existing meal delivery and home visiting services.813The California Employee Development Department (EDD) is encouraging individuals who are unable to work due to exposure to COVID-19 to file a Disability Insurance claim. Californians unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member can file a Paid Family Leave claim.814The Governor removed the waiting period for unemployment and disability insurance for Californians who lose work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.815EDD is also encouraging employers who are experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the Coronavirus impact on the economy to apply for an Unemployment Insurance work sharing program.816The Governor declared a State of Emergency to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19.817The California Department of Public Health’s state laboratory in Richmond and 20 other public health department laboratories now have tests for the virus that causes COVID-19.818Twenty public health labs in California, including the Department of Public Health's state laboratory in Richmond, are now testing for the virus that causes COVID-19.819","<p>California has been actively and extensively planning with our local public health and health care delivery systems. Here are some of the things we are already doing:  </p><ul><li>As in any public health event, our Medical and Health Coordination Center has been activated and is coordinating response efforts across the state and preparing for possible community transmission. </li><li>In coordination with the CDC, state and local health departments, we are actively responding to cases of COVID-19. </li><li>The Public Health Department is supporting hospitals and local public health laboratories in the collection of specimens and testing for COVID-19. </li><li>California activated the State Operations Center to its highest level to coordinate response efforts across the state. <br/></li><li>Governor Gavin Newsom requested the Legislature make up to $20 million available for state government to respond to the spread of COVID-19. </li><li>California made available some of its emergency planning reserves of 21 million N95 filtering facepiece masks for use in certain health care settings to ease shortages of personal protective equipment. </li><li>We are providing information, guidance documents, and technical support to local health departments, health care facilities, providers, schools, universities, colleges, elder care and congregate living facilities and childcare facilities across California. </li><li>California obtained approval to provide meal service during school closures to minimize potential exposure to the coronavirus. These meals are available at no cost to low-income children – and are not required to be served in a group setting – to ensure kids receive nutritious meals while schools are temporarily closed. </li><li>The state directed mass gatherings be postponed or cancelled to slow the spread of the virus. </li><li>The Franchise Tax Board is providing a 90-day extension to file California tax returns for taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. </li><li>CalTrans launched a statewide educational campaign on more than 700 electronic highway signs, urging all Californians to be more diligent about containing the spread of the virus.  </li><li>The state is allowing local and state legislative bodies to hold meetings via conference calls while still meeting state transparency requirements.  </li><li>The California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency released guidance for homeless assistance providers in the state. </li><li>The California Department of Public Health is coordinating with federal authorities and local health departments that have implemented screening, monitoring and, in some cases, quarantine of returning travelers.  </li><li>In coordination with state and local health departments, we have actively managed suspect and confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients. </li><li>California worked in partnership with the federal government to aid in the safe return of 962 Californians from the Grand Princess cruise ship. This mission centered around protecting the health of the passengers, and ensuring that when the passengers disembarked, the public health of the United States, the State of California, and partner communities was protected. </li><li>24 million more Californians are now eligible for free medically necessary COVID-19 testing. </li><li>The state is taking aggressive social distancing steps - bars, night clubs, breweries and wine tasting rooms should close and restaurants should focus on food delivery and takeout while maximizing social distancing for those who are inside their restaurant. </li><li>California is recommending older Californians (65+) socially isolate in their homes.  </li><li>The state is providing safe, wrap around services to vulnerable residents who are isolating at home – ramping up existing meal delivery and home visiting services.</li><li>The California Employee Development Department (EDD) is encouraging individuals who are unable to work due to exposure to COVID-19 to file a Disability Insurance claim. Californians unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member can file a Paid Family Leave claim.  </li><li>The Governor removed the waiting period for unemployment and disability insurance for Californians who lose work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.  </li><li>EDD is also encouraging employers who are experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the Coronavirus impact on the economy to apply for an Unemployment Insurance work sharing program.  </li><li>The Governor declared a State of Emergency to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19.  </li><li>The California Department of Public Health’s state laboratory in Richmond and 20 other public health department laboratories now have tests for the virus that causes COVID-19. <br/></li></ul><p></p><p>Twenty public health labs in California, including the Department of Public Health's state laboratory in Richmond, are now testing for the virus that causes COVID-19. </p></div><h2>More Information<br/></h2><p>",https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx#,Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19),California Department of Public Health,,USA,California,,en,2020/03/17820What is SARS-CoV-2? What is COVID-19?,Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the name given to the 2019 novel coronavirus. COVID-19 is the name given to the disease associated with the virus. SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.,<p>Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the name given to the 2019 novel coronavirus. COVID-19 is the name given to the disease associated with the virus. SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.</p>,https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-19,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),,EU,,,en,2020/03/18821Where do coronaviruses come from?,"Coronaviruses are viruses that circulate among animals with some of them also known to infect humans.822Bats are considered as natural hosts of these viruses yet several other species of animals are also known to be a source. For instance, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is transmitted to humans from camels, and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) is transmitted to humans from civet cats. More information on coronaviruses can be found on the ECDC factsheet.","<p>Coronaviruses are viruses that circulate among animals with some of them also known to infect humans.</p>824<p>Bats are considered as natural hosts of these viruses yet several other species of animals are also known to be a source. For instance, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is transmitted to humans from camels, and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) is transmitted to humans from civet cats. More information on coronaviruses can be found on the ECDC factsheet.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-20,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),,EU,,,en,2020/03/18825Is this virus comparable to SARS or to the seasonal flu?,"The novel coronavirus detected in China is genetically closely related to the SARS-CoV-1 virus. SARS emerged at the end of 2002 in China, and it caused more than 8 000 cases in 33 countries over a period of eight months. Around one in ten of the people who developed SARS died.826The current COVID-19 outbreak caused around 7 000 reported cases in China during the first month after initial reports (January 2020), with a further 80 000 cases reported globally during the second month (February 2020). Of these first 87 000 cases, about 3 000 died. Cases are now being detected in Europe and across the globe. See the situation updates for the latest available information.828While the viruses that cause both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza are transmitted from person-to-person and may cause similar symptoms, the two viruses are very different and do not behave in the same way. ECDC estimates that between 15 000 and 75 000 people die prematurely due to causes associated with seasonal influenza each year in the EU, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. This is approximately 1 in every 1 000 people who are infected. By comparison, the current estimated mortality rate for COVID-19 is 20-30 per 1 000 people.830Despite the relatively low mortality rate for seasonal influenza, many people die from the disease due to the large number of people who contract it each year. The concern about COVID-19 is that, unlike influenza, there is no vaccine and no specific treatment for the disease. It also appears to be as transmissible as influenza if not more so. As it is a new virus, nobody has prior immunity which in theory means that the entire human population is potentially susceptible to COVID-19 infection.","<p>The novel coronavirus detected in China is genetically closely related to the SARS-CoV-1 virus. SARS emerged at the end of 2002 in China, and it caused more than 8 000 cases in 33 countries over a period of eight months. Around one in ten of the people who developed SARS died.</p>832<p>The current COVID-19 outbreak caused around 7 000 reported cases in China during the first month after initial reports (January 2020), with a further 80 000 cases reported globally during the second month (February 2020). Of these first 87 000 cases, about 3 000 died. Cases are now being detected in Europe and across the globe. See the situation updates for the latest available information. </p>833<p>While the viruses that cause both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza are transmitted from person-to-person and may cause similar symptoms, the two viruses are very different and do not behave in the same way. ECDC estimates that between 15 000 and 75 000 people die prematurely due to causes associated with seasonal influenza each year in the EU, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. This is approximately 1 in every 1 000 people who are infected. By comparison, the current estimated mortality rate for COVID-19 is 20-30 per 1 000 people.</p>834<p>Despite the relatively low mortality rate for seasonal influenza, many people die from the disease due to the large number of people who contract it each year. The concern about COVID-19 is that, unlike influenza, there is no vaccine and no specific treatment for the disease. It also appears to be as transmissible as influenza if not more so. As it is a new virus, nobody has prior immunity which in theory means that the entire human population is potentially susceptible to COVID-19 infection.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-21,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),,EU,,,en,2020/03/18835How severe is COVID-19 infection?,"Preliminary findings indicate that the mortality rate for COVID-19 is 20-30 per thousand people diagnosed. This is significantly less than the 2003 SARS outbreak. However, it is much higher than the mortality rate for seasonal influenza.","<p>Preliminary findings indicate that the mortality rate for COVID-19 is 20-30 per thousand people diagnosed. This is significantly less than the 2003 SARS outbreak. However, it is much higher than the mortality rate for seasonal influenza.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-22,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),,EU,,,en,2020/03/18836What is the mode of transmission? How (easily) does it spread?,"While animals are the original source of the virus, it is now spreading from person to person (human-to-human transmission). There is not enough epidemiological information at this time to determine how easily and sustainably this virus spreads between people, but it is currently estimated that, on average, one infected person will infect between two and three more. The virus seems to be transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, or exhale. The virus can also survive for several hours on surfaces such as tables and door handles.837The incubation period for COVID-19 (i.e. the time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms) is currently estimated at between two and 14 days. At this stage, we know that the virus can be transmitted when people who are infected show flu-like symptoms such as coughing. There is evidence suggesting that transmission can occur from an infected person with no symptoms; however, uncertainties remain about the effect of transmission by non symptomatic persons on the epidemic.","<p>While animals are the original source of the virus, it is now spreading from person to person (human-to-human transmission). There is not enough epidemiological information at this time to determine how easily and sustainably this virus spreads between people, but it is currently estimated that, on average, one infected person will infect between two and three more. The virus seems to be transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, or exhale. The virus can also survive for several hours on surfaces such as tables and door handles.</p>839<p>The incubation period for COVID-19 (i.e. the time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms) is currently estimated at between two and 14 days. At this stage, we know that the virus can be transmitted when people who are infected show flu-like symptoms such as coughing. There is evidence suggesting that transmission can occur from an infected person with no symptoms; however, uncertainties remain about the effect of transmission by non symptomatic persons on the epidemic.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-23,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),,EU,,,en,2020/03/18840What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infection,"The virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as:841fever843cough844difficulty breathing845muscle pain846tiredness847More serious cases develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock that can lead to death. ","<p>The virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as:</p>848<ul><li>fever</li>849<li>cough</li>850<li>difficulty breathing</li>851<li>muscle pain</li>852<li>tiredness</li>853</ul><p>More serious cases develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock that can lead to death. </p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-24,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Medical information,EU,,,en,2020/03/18854Are some people more at risk than others?,"Generally elderly people and those with underlying health conditions (e.g. hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer) are considered to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms.","<p>Generally elderly people and those with underlying health conditions (e.g. hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer) are considered to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-25,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Medical information,EU,,,en,2020/03/18855Are children also at risk of infection?,"Disease in children appears to be relatively rare and mild. A large study from China suggested that just over 2% of cases were under 18 years of age. Of these, fewer than 3% developed severe or critical disease.","<p>Disease in children appears to be relatively rare and mild. A large study from China suggested that just over 2% of cases were under 18 years of age. Of these, fewer than 3% developed severe or critical disease.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-26,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Medical information,EU,,,en,2020/03/18856What about pregnant women?,"There is limited scientific evidence on the severity of illness in pregnant women after COVID-19 infection. That said, current evidence suggests that severity of illness among pregnant women after COVID-19 infection is similar to that in non-pregnant adult COVID-19 cases, and there is no data that suggests infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy has a negative effect on the foetus. At present, there is no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 from mother to baby occurring during pregnancy. ECDC will continue to monitor the emerging scientific literature on this question, and suggests that all pregnant women follow the same precautions for the prevention of COVID-19, including regular handwashing, avoiding individuals who are sick, and self-isolating in case of any symptoms, while consulting a healthcare provider by telephone for advice.","There is limited scientific evidence on the severity of illness in pregnant women after COVID-19 infection. That said, current evidence suggests that severity of illness among pregnant women after COVID-19 infection is similar to that in non-pregnant adult COVID-19 cases, and there is no data that suggests infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy has a negative effect on the foetus. At present, there is no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 from mother to baby occurring during pregnancy. ECDC will continue to monitor the emerging scientific literature on this question, and suggests that all pregnant women follow the same precautions for the prevention of COVID-19, including regular handwashing, avoiding individuals who are sick, and self-isolating in case of any symptoms, while consulting a healthcare provider by telephone for advice.",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-27,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Medical information,EU,,,en,2020/03/18857Is there a treatment for the COVID-19 disease?,"There is no specific treatment for this disease, so healthcare providers treat the clinical symptoms (e.g. fever, difficulty breathing) of patients. Supportive care (e.g. fluid management, oxygen therapy etc.) can be highly effective for patients with symptoms.","<p>There is no specific treatment for this disease, so healthcare providers treat the clinical symptoms (e.g. fever, difficulty breathing) of patients. Supportive care (e.g. fluid management, oxygen therapy etc.) can be highly effective for patients with symptoms.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-28,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Medical information,EU,,,en,2020/03/18858When should I be tested for COVID-19?,"Current advice for testing depends on the stage of the outbreak in the country or area where you live. Countries across the EU/EEA might be in different scenarios, even within the same country, and testing approaches will be adapted to the situation at national and local level.859National authorities may decide to only test subgroups of suspected cases based on the national capacity to test, the availability of necessary equipment for testing, the level of community transmission of COVID-19, or any other criteria. As a rational approach, national authorities may consider prioritising testing in the following groups:861hospitalised patients with severe respiratory infections;863cases with acute respiratory infections in hospital or long-term care facilities;864patients with acute respiratory infections or influenza-like illness in certain outpatient clinics or hospitals in order to assess the extent of virus circulation in the population;865elderly people with underlying chronic medical conditions such as lung disease, cancer, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes, and immunocompromising conditions","<p>Current advice for testing depends on the stage of the outbreak in the country or area where you live. Countries across the EU/EEA might be in different scenarios, even within the same country, and testing approaches will be adapted to the situation at national and local level.</p>866<p>National authorities may decide to only test subgroups of suspected cases based on the national capacity to test, the availability of necessary equipment for testing, the level of community transmission of COVID-19, or any other criteria. As a rational approach, national authorities may consider prioritising testing in the following groups:</p>867<ul><li>hospitalised patients with severe respiratory infections;</li>868<li>cases with acute respiratory infections in hospital or long-term care facilities;</li>869<li>patients with acute respiratory infections or influenza-like illness in certain outpatient clinics or hospitals in order to assess the extent of virus circulation in the population;</li>870<li>elderly people with underlying chronic medical conditions such as lung disease, cancer, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes, and immunocompromising conditions</li>871</ul>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-29,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Medical information,EU,,,en,2020/03/18872Where can I get tested?,"If you are feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain or tiredness) it is recommended that you contact healthcare services by telephone or online. If your healthcare provider believes there is a need for a laboratory test for the virus that causes COVID-19, he/she will inform you of the procedure to follow and advise where and how the test can be performed.","<p>If you are feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain or tiredness) it is recommended that you contact healthcare services by telephone or online. If your healthcare provider believes there is a need for a laboratory test for the virus that causes COVID-19, he/she will inform you of the procedure to follow and advise where and how the test can be performed.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-30,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Medical Information,EU,,,en,2020/03/18873How can I avoid getting infected?,"The virus enters your body via your eyes, nose and/or mouth, so it is important to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.874Washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or cleaning hands with alcohol-based solutions, gels or tissues is recommended in all settings.876It is also recommended to stay 1 metre or more away from people infected with COVID-19 who are showing symptoms, to reduce the risk of infection through respiratory droplets.","<p>The virus enters your body via your eyes, nose and/or mouth, so it is important to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.</p>878<p>Washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or cleaning hands with alcohol-based solutions, gels or tissues is recommended in all settings.</p>879<p>It is also recommended to stay 1 metre or more away from people infected with COVID-19 who are showing symptoms, to reduce the risk of infection through respiratory droplets.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-31,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Prevention,EU,,,en,2020/03/18880What should I do if I have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19?,"Notify public health authorities in your area who will provide guidance on further steps to take. If you develop any symptoms, you should immediately call your healthcare provider for advice, mentioning that you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.","<p>Notify public health authorities in your area who will provide guidance on further steps to take. If you develop any symptoms, you should immediately call your healthcare provider for advice, mentioning that you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-32,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Prevention,EU,,,en,2020/03/18881Are face masks effective in protecting against COVID-19?,"If you are infected, the use of surgical face masks may reduce the risk of you infecting other people, but there is no evidence that face masks will effectively prevent you from being infected with the virus. In fact, it is possible that the use of face masks may even increase the risk of infection due to a false sense of security and increased contact between hands, mouth and eyes.","p>If you are infected, the use of surgical face masks may reduce the risk of you infecting other people, but there is <em>no evidence</em> that face masks will effectively prevent you from being infected with the virus. In fact, it is possible that the use of face masks may even increase the risk of infection due to a false sense of security and increased contact between hands, mouth and eyes.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-33,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Prevention,EU,,,en,2020/03/18882Is there a vaccine against the virus? How long will it take to develop a vaccine?,"There are currently no vaccines against human coronaviruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. This is why it is very important to prevent infection and to contain further spread of the virus.883The development of vaccines takes time. Several pharmaceutical companies are working on vaccine candidates. It will, however, take months or years before any vaccine can be widely used, as it needs to undergo extensive testing to determine its safety and efficacy. ","There are currently no vaccines against human coronaviruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. This is why it is very important to prevent infection and to contain further spread of the virus.",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-34,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Prevention,EU,,,en,2020/03/18885Am I protected against COVID-19 if I had the influenza vaccine this year?,Influenza and the virus that causes COVID-19 are two very different viruses and the seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect against COVID-19. ,"<p>Influenza and the virus that causes COVID-19 are two very different viruses and the seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect against COVID-19. </p>886",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-35,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Prevention,EU,,,en,2020/03/18887How prepared is Europe for COVID-19 and what is the EU doing?,"The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is in continuous contact with the European Commission and the World Health Organization regarding the assessment of this outbreak. To inform the European Commission and the public health authorities in Member States of the ongoing situation, ECDC publishes daily summaries and continuously assesses the risk for EU citizens. ECDC and WHO have developed technical guidance to support the EU Member States in their response. The European Commission is ensuring the coordination of risk management activities at EU level.","<p>The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is in continuous contact with the European Commission and the World Health Organization regarding the assessment of this outbreak. To inform the European Commission and the public health authorities in Member States of the ongoing situation, ECDC publishes daily summaries and continuously assesses the risk for EU citizens. ECDC and WHO have developed technical guidance to support the EU Member States in their response. The European Commission is ensuring the coordination of risk management activities at EU level.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-36,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Current Situation in the EU,EU,,,en,2020/03/18888Am I at risk of contracting COVID-19 infection in the EU?,This outbreak is evolving rapidly and the risk assessment is changing accordingly. ECDC is continuously assessing the risk for EU citizens and you can find the latest information in the daily updated ECDC risk assessment.,<p>This outbreak is evolving rapidly and the risk assessment is changing accordingly. ECDC is continuously assessing the risk for EU citizens and you can find the latest information in the daily updated ECDC risk assessment.</p>,https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-37,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Current Situation in the EU,EU,,,en,2020/03/18889How many people have been infected in the EU/EEA?,"See the ECDC daily situation update for the latest available information. Given the extensive movement of people and the fact that the virus is transmitted from person to person, further cases are expected in Europe.","<p>See the ECDC daily situation update for the latest available information. Given the extensive movement of people and the fact that the virus is transmitted from person to person, further cases are expected in Europe.</p>890",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-38,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Current Situation in the EU,EU,,,en,2020/03/18891How long will this outbreak last?,"Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict how long the outbreak will last and how the epidemic will unfold. We are dealing with a new virus and therefore a lot of uncertainty remains. For instance, it is not known whether transmission within the EU/EEA will naturally decrease during the northern hemisphere summer, as is observed for seasonal influenza.892","<p>Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict how long the outbreak will last and how the epidemic will unfold. We are dealing with a new virus and therefore a lot of uncertainty remains. For instance, it is not known whether transmission within the EU/EEA will naturally decrease during the northern hemisphere summer, as is observed for seasonal influenza.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-39,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Current Situation in the EU,EU,,,en,2020/03/18893Should schools and day centres be closed?,"The evidence we have to date indicates that COVID-19 does not affect children nearly as much as it affects adults. However, the extent to which children play a role in the transmission of the virus is still unknown. Due to this uncertainty, it is especially important to encourage children to wash their hands carefully to reduce any possible risk of them becoming infected themselves, and then of passing on the virus. If children do become ill, they should be strictly isolated at home.894Depending on local circumstances, local authorities may decide to temporarily close schools and daycare centres to reduce transmission. Wherever this happens, it is important that parents and caregivers are supported, for example by their employers, so they can stay at home and take care of their children.896","<p>The evidence we have to date indicates that COVID-19 does not affect children nearly as much as it affects adults. However, the extent to which children play a role in the transmission of the virus is still unknown. Due to this uncertainty, it is especially important to encourage children to wash their hands carefully to reduce any possible risk of them becoming infected themselves, and then of passing on the virus. If children do become ill, they should be strictly isolated at home.</p>897<p>Depending on local circumstances, local authorities may decide to temporarily close schools and daycare centres to reduce transmission. Wherever this happens, it is important that parents and caregivers are supported, for example by their employers, so they can stay at home and take care of their children.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-40,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Current Situation in the EU,EU,,,en,2020/03/18898What precautions should I take if I am visiting an area of local or community transmission?,"Travellers visiting areas of local or community COVID-19 transmission should adhere to strict hygiene measures, wash hands with soap and water regularly, and/or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Touching the face with unwashed hands should be avoided. Travellers should avoid contact with sick persons, in particular those with respiratory symptoms and fever. It should be emphasised that older people and those with underlying health conditions should take these precautionary measures very seriously.","<p>Travellers visiting areas of local or community COVID-19 transmission should adhere to strict hygiene measures, wash hands with soap and water regularly, and/or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Touching the face with unwashed hands should be avoided. Travellers should avoid contact with sick persons, in particular those with respiratory symptoms and fever. It should be emphasised that older people and those with underlying health conditions should take these precautionary measures very seriously.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-41,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Information for travellers,EU,,,en,2020/03/18899What if I have recently been in an area of local or community transmission?,"Travellers returning from areas of local or community transmission should monitor their health for 14 days. People with symptoms should contact their healthcare specialist via telephone first, and indicate their exposure and travel history before seeking medical attention in person. Symptomatic people should avoid contact with others until they have received advice from a healthcare specialist.","<p>Travellers returning from areas of local or community transmission should monitor their health for 14 days. People with symptoms should contact their healthcare specialist via telephone first, and indicate their exposure and travel history before seeking medical attention in person. Symptomatic people should avoid contact with others until they have received advice from a healthcare specialist.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-42,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Information for travellers,EU,,,en,2020/03/18900What is the risk of infection when travelling by plane?,"If it is established that a COVID-19 case has been on an airplane, other passengers who were at risk (as defined by how near they were seated to the infected passenger) will be contacted by public health authorities. Should you have questions about a flight you have taken, please contact your local health authority for advice. The risk of being infected on an airplane cannot be excluded, but is currently considered to be low for an individual traveller. The risk of being infected in an airport is similar to that of any other place where many people gather.901","<p>If it is established that a COVID-19 case has been on an airplane, other passengers who were at risk (as defined by how near they were seated to the infected passenger) will be contacted by public health authorities. Should you have questions about a flight you have taken, please contact your local health authority for advice. The risk of being infected on an airplane cannot be excluded, but is currently considered to be low for an individual traveller. The risk of being infected in an airport is similar to that of any other place where many people gather.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-43,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Information for travellers,EU,,,en,2020/03/18902Why are people not being checked for COVID-19 at the airport when arriving from areas of local or community transmission?,"There is evidence that checking people at the airport (known as entry screening) is not very effective in preventing the spread of the virus, especially when people do not have symptoms. It is generally considered more useful to provide those arriving at airports with clear information explaining what to do if they develop symptoms after arrival.903","<p>There is evidence that checking people at the airport (known as entry screening) is not very effective in preventing the spread of the virus, especially when people do not have symptoms. It is generally considered more useful to provide those arriving at airports with clear information explaining what to do if they develop symptoms after arrival.</p>904",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-44,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Information for travellers,EU,,,en,2020/03/18905Where can I learn more?,"Each EU/EEA country may issue specific advice to travellers to areas with local or community transmission of COVID-19. Consult your local health authority or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get advice tailored for residents in your setting.906For an updated list of areas of presumed community transmission, please refer to WHO situation reports for country classification.","<p>Each EU/EEA country may issue specific advice to travellers to areas with local or community transmission of COVID-19. Consult your local health authority or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get advice tailored for residents in your setting. </p>908<p>For an updated list of areas of presumed community transmission, please refer to WHO situation reports for country classification.</p>",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-45,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),Information for travellers,EU,,,en,2020/03/18909What is the risk of COVID-19 infection from animals or animal products imported from affected areas?,"There is no evidence that any of the animals or animal products authorised for entry into the European Union pose a risk to the health of EU citizens as a result of the presence of COVID-19.910",<p>There is no evidence that any of the animals or animal products authorised for entry into the European Union pose a risk to the health of EU citizens as a result of the presence of COVID-19.</p>,https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-46,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),COVID-19 and animals and food products,EU,,,en,2020/03/18912What is the risk of COVID-19 infection from food products imported from affected areas?,"There has been no report of transmission of COVID-19 via food and therefore there is no evidence that food items imported into the European Union in accordance with the applicable animal and public health regulations pose a risk for the health of EU citizens in relation to COVID-19. The main mode of transmission is from person to person.913","<p>There has been no report of transmission of COVID-19 via food and therefore there is no evidence that food items imported into the European Union in accordance with the applicable animal and public health regulations pose a risk for the health of EU citizens in relation to COVID-19. The main mode of transmission is from person to person.</p>915",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-47,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),COVID-19 and animals and food products,EU,,,en,2020/03/18916What is the risk of COVID-19 infection from contact with pets and other animals in the EU?,"Current research links COVID-19 to certain types of bat as the original source, but does not exclude the involvement of other animals. Several types of coronaviruses can infect animals and can be transmitted to other animals and people. There is no evidence that companion animals (e.g. dogs or cats) pose a risk of infection to humans. As a general precaution, it is always wise to observe basic principles of hygiene when in contact with animals.","<p>Current research links COVID-19 to certain types of bat as the original source, but does not exclude the involvement of other animals. Several types of coronaviruses can infect animals and can be transmitted to other animals and people. There is no evidence that companion animals (e.g. dogs or cats) pose a risk of infection to humans. As a general precaution, it is always wise to observe basic principles of hygiene when in contact with animals.</p>917",https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers,Q & A on COVID-48,European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC),COVID-19 and animals and food products,EU,,,en,2020/03/18918"How can I protect myself from the coronavirus?919","You should behave in the same way you do to protect yourself from a flu virus: regular and thorough hand washing, proper coughing and sneezing as well as keeping your distance from sick persons – these are the most effective protective measures in everyday life. You should also refrain from shaking hands.920Available downloads922How can I protect myself from infection?923Download in German | English | Turkish (accessible PDF-Files)924If possible, avoid going on trips, using public transport and instead work from home.926Generally, all contact with others should be reduced to the bare minimum and the attendance of events with crowds of people should be avoided.928Citizens who are older than 70 years of age should obtain a vaccine against pneumococcal infection.","<p>You should behave in <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> same way you do to protect yourself from a flu virus: <a href=""https://www.infektionsschutz.de/haendewaschen/"" target=""_blank"">regular and thorough hand washing</a>, <a href=""https://www.infektionsschutz.de/hygienetipps/hygiene-beim-husten-und-niesen/"" target=""_blank"">proper coughing and sneezing</a> as well as keeping your distance from sick persons – these are <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> most effective protective measures in everyday life. You should also refrain from shaking hands.</p></div><a class=""anchor"" id=""c17576""></a><div><div class=""tx-dce-pi1"">930<div class=""infobox"">932<div class=""panel-heading"">933<h2>Available downloads</h2>937</div>939<div class=""panel-body"">940<h3>How can I protect myself from infection? </h3>942<p>Download in <a href=""/fileadmin/Dateien/3_Downloads/C/Coronavirus/BMGS_Coronavirus2_DE.pdf"" title=""Download file"" target=""_blank"">German</a> | <a href=""/fileadmin/Dateien/3_Downloads/C/Coronavirus/BMGS_Coronavirus2_EN.pdf"" title=""Download file"" target=""_blank"">English</a> | <a href=""/fileadmin/Dateien/3_Downloads/C/Coronavirus/BMGS_Coronavirus2_TR.pdf"" title=""Download file"" target=""_blank"">Turkish</a> (accessible <abbr data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title=""Portable Document Format"">PDF</abbr>-Files)</p>943</div>945<!-- Kein Link vorhanden! -->948</div>950</div></div><a class=""anchor"" id=""c17577""></a><div>952<p>If possible, avoid going on trips, using public transport and instead work from home.959</p>960<p>Generally, all contact with others should be reduced to <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> bare minimum and <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> attendance <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> events with crowds <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> people should be avoided.961</p>962<p>Citizens who are older than 70 years <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> age should obtain a vaccine against pneumococcal infection.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/18963What should be done if a coronavirus infection is suspected? What are the symptoms?,"Persons who have had personal contact with someone confirmed as carrying SARS-CoV-2 should immediately, and irrespective of symptoms, contact their competent health office, get in touch with the doctor or call 116117 – and stay at home.964A coronavirus infection causes flu-like symptoms such as dry cough, fever, a runny nose and fatigue. There have also been reports of difficulties breathing, an itchy throat, headaches, joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea and shivering.","<p>Persons who have had personal contact with someone confirmed as carrying SARS-CoV-2 should immediately, and irrespective <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> symptoms, contact their <a href=""https://tools.rki.de/plztool"" title=""External link in new window"" target=""_blank"">competent health office</a>, get in touch with <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> doctor or call 116117 – and stay at home.966</p>967<p>A coronavirus infection causes flu-like symptoms such as dry cough, fever, a runny nose and fatigue. There have also been reports <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> difficulties breathing, an itchy throat, headaches, joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea and shivering.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/18968"If I have a mild respiratory disease, do I need to go to my doctor's practice to pick up a sick leave certificate?","Starting immediately, patients with mild respiratory diseases of the upper respiratory tract can have a certificate a certificate of unfitness for work issued for a maximum of seven days, after consulting with their doctor by phone. There is no need to go to your doctor’s practice for this purpose. This agreement has been in force since 9 March 2020, for an initial period of four weeks.969","<p>Starting immediately, patients with mild respiratory diseases <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> upper respiratory tract can have a certificate a certificate <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> unfitness <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> work issued <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> a maximum <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> seven days, after consulting with their doctor by phone. There is no need to go to your doctor’s practice <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> this purpose. This agreement has been in force since 9 March 2020, <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> an initial period <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> four weeks. </p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/18970"What should I do after returning from a trip abroad?971","People who have spent time in a risk area as identified by the Robert Koch Institute, or in regions where COVID-19 cases have occurred, should avoid unnecessary contact with others and stay at home, if possible. Should you develop symptoms within 14 days, you should visit a doctor after calling in advance to announce your visit.972Persons arriving in Germany from Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea must provide information on where they can be reached for the 30 days after arrival. Passengers arriving in Germany from China must provide additional information.","<p>People who have spent time in a <a href=""https://www.rki.de/covid-19-risikogebiete.html"" title=""covid-19-risikogebiete"" target=""_blank"">risk area as identified by <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Robert Koch Institute</a>, or in regions where COVID-19 cases have occurred, should avoid unnecessary contact with others and stay at home, if possible. Should you develop symptoms within 14 days, you should visit a doctor after calling in advance to announce your visit.974</p>975<p>Persons arriving in Germany from Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea must provide information on where they can be reached <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> 30 days after arrival. Passengers arriving in Germany from China must provide <a href=""https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Transport/Dokumente_Tab.html"" title=""External link in new window"" target=""_blank"">additional information</a>.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/18976"WHO has declared a pandemic. What does it mean for Germany?977","On 11 March 2020, the Director-General of WHO declared the spate of infections cuased by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) a pandemic.978This declaration of a pandemic by WHO has no direct impact on the preparation and measures being conducted in Germany. Germany has taken the situation very seriously from the outset and also conducted the same measures that WHO is now emphasising once again. These are:980Inform the population on the risks posed by the disease982Inform the population on how each individual can protect him/herself and appeal to everyone to do so984Do everything to find, isolate, test and treat every case, as well as locate every contact person, so as to prevent further spread of the disease986Prepare hospitals and clinics for the emergency situation that is to be expected988Prepare medical personnel and protect them from infection990Help each other and take care of one another.992On 30 January 2020, WHO had already declared the situation to be a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern, (PHEIC)” and issued recommendations to contain and control the outbreak.","<p>On 11 March 2020, <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Director-General <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> WHO declared <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> spate <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> infections cuased by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) <a href=""https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19---11-march-2020"" title=""External link in new window"" target=""_blank"">a pandemic</a>.994</p>995<p>This declaration <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> a pandemic by WHO has no direct impact on <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> preparation and measures being conducted in Germany. Germany has taken <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> situation very seriously from <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> outset and also conducted <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> same measures that WHO is now emphasising once again. These are:</p><ul><li><p>Inform <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> population on <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> risks posed by <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> disease</p></li><li><p>Inform <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> population on how each individual can protect him/herself and appeal to everyone to do so</p></li><li><p>Do everything to find, isolate, test and treat every case, as well as locate every contact person, so as to prevent further spread <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> disease </p></li><li><p>Prepare hospitals and clinics <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> emergency situation that is to be expected </p></li><li><p>Prepare medical personnel and protect them from infection</p></li><li><p>Help each other and take care <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> one another.</p></li></ul><p>On 30 January 2020, WHO had already declared <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> situation to be a “Public Health Emergency <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> International Concern, (PHEIC)” and issued <a href=""https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/30-01-2020-statement-on-the-second-meeting-of-the-international-health-regulations-(2005)-emergency-committee-regarding-the-outbreak-of-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)"" target=""_blank"">recommendations to contain and control <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> outbreak</a>.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/18996"What do SARS-CoV-2 and Covid-19 stand for?997","On 11 February, the novel coronavirus that had provisionally been known as 2019-nCoV, was given a new name: SARS-CoV-2. The acronym SARS stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome. The name denotes its close relationship to the SARS coronavirus that caused an epidemic in 2002/2003.998The respiratory disease that can be caused by SARS-CoV-2 has also been given a new name. It is now called Covid-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019).","<p>On 11 February, <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> novel coronavirus that had provisionally been known as 2019-nCoV, was given a new name: SARS-<abbr lang=""de"" xml:lang=""de"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title=""Coronavirus"">CoV</abbr>-2. The acronym SARS stands <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> severe acute respiratory syndrome. The name denotes its close relationship to <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> SARS coronavirus that caused an epidemic in 2002/2003.1000</p>1001<p>The respiratory disease that can be caused by SARS-CoV-2 has also been given a new name. It is now called Covid-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019).</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181002"How does the novel virus spread?1003","The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spreads from person to person. Droplet infection is the main mode of transmission. Transmission can take place directly, from person-to-person, or indirectly through contact between hands and the mucous membranes of the mouth, the nose or the conjunctiva of the eyes. There have been reports of persons who were infected by individuals who had only shown slight or non-specific symptoms of disease. The percentage of asymptomatic cases is unclear; according to data from WHO and China, however, such cases do not play a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2.","<p>The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spreads from person to person. Droplet infection is <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> main mode <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> transmission. Transmission can take place directly, from person-to-person, or indirectly through contact between hands and <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> mucous membranes <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> mouth, <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> nose or <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> conjunctiva <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> eyes. There have been reports <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> persons who were infected by individuals who had only shown slight or non-specific symptoms <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> disease. The percentage <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> asymptomatic cases is unclear; according to data from WHO and China, however, such cases do not play a significant role in <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> spread <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> SARS-CoV-2.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181004"How long does it take from infection to the onset of disease?1005","It is currently thought that an infected person can go up to 14 days before noticing any symptoms. According to WHO, the incubation period is, on average, five to six days.1006","<p>It is currently thought that an infected person can go up to 14 days before noticing any symptoms. According to WHO, <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> incubation period is, on average, five to six days.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181007"How dangerous is an infection with SARS-CoV-2?1008","Among the cases reported to date, in four out of five cases infection was mild. In some patients, the virus can lead to severe illness, including difficult breathing, and to pneumonia. Deaths have mainly occurred among patients who were elderly and/or had prior underlying chronic illnesses.1009","<p>Among <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> cases reported to date, in four out <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> five cases infection was mild. In some patients, <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> virus can lead to severe illness, including difficult breathing, and to pneumonia. Deaths have mainly occurred among patients who were elderly and/or had prior underlying chronic illnesses.</p></",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181010"Who decides whether a test for SARS-CoV-2 will be conducted?1011","Currently, hospitals and family physicians decide who will be tested. They base their decision on the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute. According to these recommendations, symptoms such as fever, a sore throat and respiratory complaints, on their own, are not sufficient. The person must additionally have had contact with an infected person, or have spent time in a region in which the virus was proven to exist over large areas.1012Testing should be done only if disease symptoms are present. If you are healthy, a test will not be able to tell you whether or not you will fall ill in the coming days. At the same time, this puts an unnecessary strain on our testing capacities.","<p>Currently, hospitals and family physicians decide who will be tested. They base their decision on <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> recommendations <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Robert Koch Institute. According to these recommendations, symptoms such as fever, a sore throat and respiratory complaints, on their own, are not sufficient. The person must additionally have had contact with an infected person, or have spent time in a region in which <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> virus was proven to exist over large areas.1014</p>1015<p>Testing should be done only if disease symptoms are present. If you are healthy, a test will not be able to tell you whether or not you will fall ill in <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> coming days. At <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> same time, this puts an unnecessary strain on our testing capacities.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181016Does the health insurance pay for the SARS-CoV-2 test?,"By and large, health insurance funds have been covering the cost of coronavirus testing since 28 February 2020. The prerequisite is that the attending physician decides whether the patient should be tested.1017","<p> By and large, health insurance funds have been covering <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> cost <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> coronavirus testing since 28 February 2020. The prerequisite is that <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> attending physician decides whether <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> patient should be tested.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181018"Is there a quick test for SARS-CoV-2 for home use?1019","A quick test, similar to a pregnancy test, by means of which you can verify an infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 on your own, does not exist. Persons who suspect that they might be infected with SARS-CoV-2, should (after announcing your visit by phone) visit their doctor who will have a laboratory diagnosis conducted.1020","<p> A quick test, similar to a pregnancy test, by means <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> which you can verify an infection with <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 on your own, does not exist. Persons who suspect that they might be infected with SARS-CoV-2, should (after announcing your visit by phone) visit their doctor who will have a laboratory diagnosis conducted.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181021"Is there a vaccine?1022","Efforts to develop a vaccine are already underway. As yet, there is no vaccine available, however.1023","<p>Efforts to develop a vaccine are already underway. As yet, there is no vaccine available, however.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181024"What are the treatment options?1025","Not all diseases that follow a SARS-CoV-2 infection take a serious course and require treatment. Even in most of the cases reported from China, disease progression was mild. Treatment of the infection depends on the severity of the disease presentation (e.g administering oxygen, maintaining fluid balance, if necessary administering antibiotics to combat bacterial co-infections) and also includes the treatment of relevant underlying chronic illnesses. A specific treatment, in other words, one that is directed at the new coronavirus itself, is currently not yet available.1026","<p>Not all diseases that follow a SARS-CoV-2 infection take a serious course and require treatment. Even in most <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> cases reported from China, disease progression was mild. Treatment <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> infection depends on <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> severity <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> disease presentation (e.g administering oxygen, maintaining fluid balance, if necessary administering antibiotics to combat bacterial co-infections) and also includes <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> treatment <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> relevant underlying chronic illnesses. A specific treatment, in other words, one that is directed at <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> new coronavirus itself, is currently not yet available.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181027"How prepared is Germany?1028","Germany is as prepared as it can possibly be. Above all, our network of centres of expertise and special clinics is unmatched by international standards. We have a very good disease warning and notification system, as well as excellent pandemic preparedness plans. In addition, regular emergency training exercises are conducted at airports in Germany. The Robert Koch Institute is responsible for coordination and information.1029","<p>Germany is as prepared as it can possibly be. Above all, our network <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> centres <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> expertise and special clinics is unmatched by international standards. We have a very good disease warning and notification system, as well as excellent pandemic preparedness plans. In addition, regular emergency training exercises are conducted at airports in Germany. The Robert Koch Institute is responsible <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> coordination and information.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181030"What does it mean for Germany if the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country?1031","We do not know how many people in total will be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in Germany. Estimates speak of up to 70% of the population; however it is unclear over what period of time this will take place. We cannot anticipate the impact this will have on Germany. It could be more severe than a serious wave of influenza; progression could, however, also be much milder. There is no way to predict this. In Germany, we have also seen cases of severe disease progression and have recorded our first deaths.1032","<p>We do not know how many people in total will be infected with <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in Germany. Estimates speak <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> up to 70% <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> population; however it is unclear over what period <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> time this will take place. We cannot anticipate <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> impact this will have on Germany. It could be more severe than a serious wave <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> influenza; progression could, however, also be much milder. There is no way to predict this. In Germany, we have also seen cases <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> severe disease progression and have recorded our first deaths.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181033"Which areas are to be considered risk areas?1034","The Robert Koch Institute updates the international risk areas and especially affected areas in Germany on its website, constantly, based on the current situation.1035","<p>The Robert Koch Institute updates <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> <a href=""https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete.html"" title=""External link in new window"" target=""_blank"">international risk areas</a> and especially affected areas in Germany on its website, constantly, based on <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> current situation.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181036"What are the recommendations for persons travelling to areas in which transmission is occurring?1037","The Federal Foreign Office warns against all non-essential tourist trips abroad, as strict and increasingly more drastic restrictions in international air and other travel, worldwide restrictions on admission, quarantine measures and restrictions on public life in many countries are to be expected.1038The current travel and safety recommendations can be found on the web page of the Federal Foreign Office (AA). In addition, general information on COVID-19 for travellers has been prepared also by the AA.","<p>The Federal Foreign Office warns against all non-essential tourist trips abroad, as strict and increasingly more drastic restrictions in international air and other travel, worldwide restrictions on admission, quarantine measures and restrictions on public life in many countries are to be expected.1040</p>1041<p>The <a href=""https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-und-sicherheitshinweise"" title=""Externer Link im neuen Fenster"" target=""_blank"">current travel and safety recommendations</a> can be found on <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> web page <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Federal Foreign Office (AA). In addition, <a href=""https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/covid-19/2296762"" title=""External link in new window"" target=""_blank"">general information on COVID-19 <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> travellers</a> has been prepared also by <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> AA.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181042"What arrangements have been put in place for travellers coming into Germany on flights from risk areas?1043","Carriers of passengers, who arrive in Germany by plane, ship, train or bus from China, Iran, Italy, Japan, or South Korea, must distribute the following instructions on recommended behaviour to prevent the disease or in case of symptoms: www.rki.de/ncov-handzettel1044The same applies to all operators of airports, ports, passenger train stations and coach stations.1046Before landing in Germany, pilots on flights from Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea or China must transmit the Aircraft Declaration of Health to the authorities.1048Before disembarking from the aircraft or ship, passengers arriving in Germany from Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea by plane or ship, must provide information on their flight/trip and on where they can be reached for the 30 days after arrival. This is done with the disembarkation card:1050Aircraft disembarkation card1052Ship disembarkation card1054Passengers from China to Germany must provide additional information on where they were staying in China, persons with whom they were in contact and their state of health. In this case, this disembarkation card must be used.1056Airlines, ship-owners, charterers and all other persons and all other persons responsible for operating ships must keep the data on flights and trips to Germany from Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea and China available for a period of 30 days after arrival.","<p>Carriers <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> passengers, who arrive in Germany by plane, ship, train or bus from China, Iran, Italy, Japan, or South Korea, must distribute <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> following instructions on recommended behaviour to prevent <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> disease or in case <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> symptoms: <a href=""http://www.rki.de/ncov-handzettel"" target=""_blank"">www.rki.de/ncov-handzettel</a>1058</p>1059<p>The same applies to all operators <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> airports, ports, passenger train stations and coach stations.1060</p>1061<p>Before landing in Germany, pilots on flights from Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea or China must transmit <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Aircraft Declaration <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> Health to <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> authorities.1062</p>1063<p>Before disembarking from <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> aircraft or ship, passengers arriving in Germany from Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea by plane or ship, must provide information on their flight/trip and on where they can be reached <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> 30 days after arrival. This is done with <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> disembarkation card:1064</p>1065<p><a href=""http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/igv-dg/anlage_1a.html"" title=""Ship disembarkation card"" target=""_blank"">Aircraft disembarkation card</a>1066</p>1067<p><a href=""http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/igv-dg/anlage_1a.html"" title=""Ship disembarkation card"" target=""_blank"">Ship disembarkation card</a>1068</p>1069<p>Passengers from China to Germany must provide additional information on where they were staying in China, persons with whom they were in contact and their state <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> health. In this case, <a href=""https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/typo3/www.rki.de/ncov-aussteigekarten"" title=""Externer Link im neuen Fenster"" target=""_blank"">this disembarkation card</a> must be used.1070</p>1071<p>Airlines, ship-owners, charterers and all other persons and all other persons responsible <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> operating ships must keep <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> data on flights and trips to Germany from Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea and China available <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> a period <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> 30 days after arrival.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181072"Are there measures for train passengers?1073","In addition to the measures for passengers arriving from especially affected countries (see above), the following general order by the Federal Police applies:1074Railway companies operating public passenger long-distance and regional trains are required to notify the command and location service of the Federal Police of suspected COVID-19 cases immediately. Contact data and information on how the notification must be phrased are to be found in the General order.1076Should a suspected case arise, travellers on said train must fill out the ""Train disembarkation card"". These forms will be handed out to passengers if necessary.1078The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVi) has made additional information on rail transport available on its website.1080What other arrangements have been put in place to protect the German public from the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?1082The Robert Koch Institute has been granted wider powers in coordinating response measures with the Federal Laender.1083Regular coordination meetings are being held among the EU Health Ministers so as to guarantee as unified an approach as possible.1085To ensure that suspected cases are detected as early as possible, doctors, hospitals and laboratories have also been required to report any cases where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion (CoronaVMeldeV).1087Additional, possible measures will continually be under scrutiny depending on the risk assessment for Germany.1089Non-budgeted expenditure of up to 23 million euros are earmarked to fund, inter alia, measures related to repatriation and outbreak control, measures taken by the RKI, as well as research promotion and risk communication measures.","<p>In addition to <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> measures <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> passengers arriving from especially affected countries (see above), <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> following general order by <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Federal Police applies:</p><ul><li><p>Railway companies operating public passenger long-distance and regional trains are required to notify <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> command and location service <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Federal Police <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> suspected COVID-19 cases immediately. Contact data and information on how <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> notification must be phrased are to be found in <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> <a href=""https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/DE/Anlage/LF/anordnung-bundespolizei-corona.html"" title=""General order by the Federal Police on the coronavirus"" target=""_blank"">General order</a>.</p></li><li><p>Should a suspected case arise, travellers on said train must fill out <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> "<a href=""https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/DE/Anlage/E/aussteigekarte-bahn.html"" title=""Train disembarkation card"" target=""_blank"">Train disembarkation card</a>". These forms will be handed out to passengers if necessary.</p> </li></ul><p>The Federal Ministry <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVi) has made additional <a href=""https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/DE/Artikel/LF/coronavirus-anordnung.html"" title=""Externer Link im neuen Fenster"" target=""_blank"" class=""external-link-new-window"">information on rail transport available</a> on its website.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181091"What other arrangements have been put in place to protect the German public from the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?1092","The Robert Koch Institute has been granted wider powers in coordinating response measures with the Federal Laender.1093Regular coordination meetings are being held among the EU Health Ministers so as to guarantee as unified an approach as possible.1095To ensure that suspected cases are detected as early as possible, doctors, hospitals and laboratories have also been required to report any cases where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion (CoronaVMeldeV).1097Additional, possible measures will continually be under scrutiny depending on the risk assessment for Germany.1099Non-budgeted expenditure of up to 23 million euros are earmarked to fund, inter alia, measures related to repatriation and outbreak control, measures taken by the RKI, as well as research promotion and risk communication measures.","<p>The Robert Koch Institute has been granted wider powers in coordinating response measures with <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Federal Laender.1101</p>1102<p>Regular coordination meetings are being held among <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> <abbr data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title=""Europäische Union"">EU</abbr> Health Ministers so as to guarantee as unified an approach as possible.1103</p>1104<p>To ensure that suspected cases are detected as early as possible, doctors, hospitals and laboratories have also been required to report any cases where there are reasonable grounds <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> suspicion (<a href=""https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/coronavmeldev/"" title=""External link in new window"" target=""_blank"">CoronaVMeldeV</a>).1105</p>1106<p>Additional, possible measures will continually be under scrutiny depending on <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> risk assessment <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> Germany.1107</p>1108<p>Non-budgeted expenditure <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> up to 23 million euros are earmarked to fund, inter alia, measures related to repatriation and outbreak control, measures taken by <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> <abbr data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title=""Robert Koch-Institut"">RKI</abbr>, as well as research promotion and risk communication measures.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181109Will I continue to get my salary if I have been placed under quarantine?,"Yes, your employer will continue to pay your salary. Your employer will then be entitled to reimbursement, from the Federal Land, of the sums used for the continued payment of wages. Should, contrary to expectations, your employer not pay, you are entitled to compensation from the competent authority (according to Section 56 of the Protection against Infection Act (IfSG)). In the first six weeks, this compensation will correspond to your net salary. After this period, you will receive the amount you would receive as sick pay.1110","<p>Yes, your employer will continue to pay your salary. Your employer will then be entitled to reimbursement, from <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Federal Land, <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> sums used <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> continued payment <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> wages. Should, contrary to expectations, your employer not pay, you are entitled to compensation from <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> competent authority (according to Section 56 <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Protection against Infection Act (<abbr data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title=""Infektionsschutzgesetz"">IfSG</abbr>)). In <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> first six weeks, this compensation will correspond to your net salary. After this period, you will receive <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> amount you would receive as sick pay.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181111Will self-employed persons receive financial compensation if they are no longer able to work as a result of the virus?,"Yes, self-employed persons and freelancers will receive compensation for loss of earnings according to the Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases. The competent authority will base compensation on the profit established in the tax declaration of the previous calendar year.","<p>Yes, self-employed persons and freelancers will receive compensation <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> loss <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> earnings according to <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> <a href=""https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ifsg/IfSG.pdf"" target=""_blank"">Act on <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Prevention and Control <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> Infectious Diseases</a>. The competent authority will base compensation on <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> profit established in <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> tax declaration <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> previous calendar year.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181112What precautions must be taken at large-scale events?,"The cancellation of events and the closure of schools and kindergartens fall within the responsibility of the Federal Laender and/or the local authorities. In the meantime, all the Federal Laender have cancelled events and closed schools and kindergartens. Only in a very few exceptional cases may an event be allowed.1113The Robert Koch Institute has published “General Principles of Risk Assessment and Recommendations for Action with respect to Large-Scale Events” (PDF-File) to support local authorities in deciding on whether to cancel an event.1115","<p>The cancellation <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> events and <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> closure <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> schools and kindergartens fall within <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> responsibility <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Federal Laender and/or <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> local authorities. In <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> meantime, all <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Federal Laender have cancelled events and closed schools and kindergartens. Only in a very few exceptional cases may an event be allowed.1116</p>1117<p>The Robert Koch Institute has published <a href=""https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risiko_Grossveranstaltungen.pdf"" title=""Externer Link im neuen Fenster"" target=""_blank"">“General Principles <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> Risk Assessment and Recommendations <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> Action with respect to Large-Scale Events”</a> (PDF-File) to support local authorities in deciding on whether to cancel an event.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181118"Is there a danger that a person can become infected with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) through foodstuffs or objects?1119","According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, no proven case has been reported to date of a person being infected by consuming contaminated foodstuffs or through contact with objects contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Nor have there been any reports of other coronaviruses causing infection through foodstuffs or contact with dry surfaces. However, virus transmission by way of smear infection is considered possible from surfaces contaminated shortly before contact. Owing to the relatively poor stability demonstrated by coronaviruses in the environment, it is likely that the window of contamination only exists for a short period.1120The risk assessment of foods or objects falls within the remit of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR); the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) is responsible for occupational safety and health.","<p>According to <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Federal Institute <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> Risk Assessment, no proven case has been reported to date <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> a person being infected by consuming contaminated foodstuffs or through contact with objects contaminated with <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> SARS-CoV-2 virus. Nor have there been any reports <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> other coronaviruses causing infection through foodstuffs or contact with dry surfaces. However, virus transmission by way <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> smear infection is considered possible from surfaces contaminated shortly before contact. Owing to <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> relatively poor stability demonstrated by coronaviruses in <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> environment, it is likely that <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> window <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> contamination only exists <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> a short period.1122</p>1123<p>The risk assessment <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> foods or objects falls within <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> remit <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> <a href=""https://www.bfr.bund.de/de/kann_das_neuartige_coronavirus_ueber_lebensmittel_und_spielzeug_uebertragen_werden_-244062.html"" title=""Externer Link im neuen Fenster"" target=""_blank"">Federal Institute <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> Risk Assessment (<abbr lang=""de"" xml:lang=""de"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title=""Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung"">BfR</abbr>)</a>; <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> <a href=""https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Aktuelles/Meldungen/2020/2020-01-30-Coronavirus.html"" title=""Externer Link im neuen Fenster"" target=""_blank"">Federal Institute <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> Occupational Safety and Health (<abbr data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title=""Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin"">BAuA</abbr>)</a> is responsible <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> occupational safety and health.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181124"Is water a possible source of infection in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2?1125","SARS-CoV-2 is similar to other coronaviruses for which water does not constitute a relevant route of transmission. The direct transmission of coronaviruses via the stools of infected persons also appears negligible; to date, no case of a faecal-oral transmission of the virus has been reported.1126The German Environment Agency has published a detailed statement on coronavirus and drinking water.1128","<p>SARS-CoV-2 is similar to other coronaviruses <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> which water does not constitute a relevant route <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> transmission. The direct transmission <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> coronaviruses via <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> stools <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> infected persons also appears negligible; to date, no case <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> a faecal-oral transmission <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> virus has been reported.1129</p>1130<p>The German Environment Agency has published a detailed statement on coronavirus and drinking water.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181131"Where can doctors and clinics obtain additional information?1132","The Robert Koch Institute posts information for professionals (in German) online. Here you can find, among other things, a flowchart for doctors (in German) to assist them in clarifying suspected cases and deciding on the measures to be taken as well as Recommendations on hygienic measures when treating patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection.1133","<p>The Robert Koch Institute posts <a href=""https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/nCoV.html"" title=""Externer Link im neuen Fenster"" target=""_blank"">information <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> professionals</a> (in German) <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">online</span>. Here you can find, among other things, a <a href=""https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Massnahmen_Verdachtsfall_Infografik_Tab.html"" title=""Externer Link im neuen Fenster"" target=""_blank"">flowchart <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> doctors</a> (in German) to assist them in clarifying suspected cases and deciding on <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> measures to be taken as well as Recommendations on hygienic measures when treating patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection.</p></",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181134When was the first information about the outbreak received?,"On 31 December 2019, China’s WHO country office was informed of a cluster of patients with pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan, a city of 90 million inhabitants in the province of Hubei, China.1135","<p>On 31 December 2019, China’s WHO country office was informed <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> a cluster <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> patients with pneumonia <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> unknown cause in Wuhan, a city <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> 90 million inhabitants in <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> province <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> Hubei, China.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181136"Where did the outbreak start?1137","According to information from the Chinese authorities in Wuhan, some patients worked as traders or vendors at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan. It is the largest seafood market in Wuhan with over 600 stalls and 1,500 workers. It has been reported that wild animals and/or organs of other animals and reptiles were also offered for sale at the market. It is currently assumed that SARS-CoV-2 was spread to human beings from bats.1138","<p>According to information from <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Chinese authorities in Wuhan, some patients worked as traders or vendors at <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan. It is <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> largest seafood market in Wuhan with over 600 stalls and 1,500 workers. It has been reported that wild animals and/or organs <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> other animals and reptiles were also offered <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">for</span> sale at <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> market. It is currently assumed that SARS-CoV-2 was spread to human beings from bats.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/181139"Have there been similar outbreaks in the past?1140","This new virus is a pathogen belonging to the coronavirus family, which is the same family as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus).1141In 2003, Germany recorded a small number of SARS cases. The disease did not spread further within Germany.1143","<p>This new virus is a pathogen belonging to <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> coronavirus family, which is <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">the</span> same family as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and <abbr data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title=""Middle East Respiratory Syndrome"">MERS</abbr>-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus).1144</p>1145<p>In 2003, Germany recorded a small number <span lang=""en"" xml:lang=""en"" data-toggle=""popover"" tabindex=""0"" class=""glossaryentry"" title="""">of</span> SARS cases. The disease did not spread further within Germany.</p>",https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.html,Frequently asked questions,Bundesministerium für Gesundheit,,Germany,,,en,2020/03/18