According to the European Commission, Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe disease. COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus (SARSCoV-2). People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus through inhaling small droplets from infected people who cough or sneeze or through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching nose, mouth or eyes. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but for some it can be more severe. Learn about the symptoms, how to protect yourself, and what do to if you think you have COVID-19, below.
COVID-19 Information & Posters
What you need to know about COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has prepared a booklet with vital information about the 2019 coronavirus. Learn about what the virus is, and what do you if you recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Remember, while there are many labs around the world racing to develop a vaccine, we don’t have one yet, so do your best to avoid infection, and spreading COVID-19 to others.
Stop the Spread of Germs
This prevention poster from the CDC is available to download and use in your community. It reminds travelers and others to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding close contact with people who are sick; covering your mouth if you cough or sneeze; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth; and washing your hands with soap and water. Think not only about yourself, but also about your community, and those at high risk.
Symptoms of COVID-19
This informational poster from the CDC is available to download and use in your community to inform people that symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and these symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Remember, if you experience symptoms, it is best to remain at home, in isolation, to see if you feel better, instead of going immediately to a hospital or clinic. This will prevent you from spreading the virus, or getting it at a care center if you didn’t have it before.
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Effective Hand Washing
In this European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control poster, learn about how to effectively wash your hands, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you are not able to wash your hands with soap and water, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, above 70% alcohol by volume, is recommended. Remember: 20 seconds or longer.
Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has put together a booklet with advice on how to prepare your workplace for the 2019 coronavirus. It includes information about steps employers can take to reduce employee risk, classification of jobs according to exposure risk, and information for workers traveling internationally.
World Health Organization Updates
The WHO keeps a special section of its website up to date with information about COVID-19, and is assessing the virus on a global scale. On their website, you can stream their daily press briefing, sign up for the WHO Health Alert to receive updates via WhatsApp, and view country and technical guidance.
COVID-19 Myths
The World Health Organization has a page on its website dedicated to busting myths about COVID-19. View it below to learn the truth about the virus, and prevent yourself from falling prey to fake news.
Track the Spread
Microsoft has published an online map that tracks the number of cases and recoveries worldwide.