The Situation:
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause diseases of the respiratory system ranging from the common cold to a very severe lung infection. In the recent past, two coronaviruses have already caused serious epidemics: SARS between November 2002 and July 2003 and the Sea-CoV identified for the first time in 2012 in the Middle East. At the beginning of this year 2020, a new coronavirus (COVID-19) emanated from China. In the United States, at the time of this article, 108 people as of Wednesday, March 4th at 11am have been diagnosed with the virus resulting in nine deaths.
As is the case with all these types of virus, it is the frail, the elderly and those suffering from chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease who are likely to fall victim to the most common forms of coronavirus.
Let’s not panic. Simple rules of hygiene can help protect you, like washing your hands frequently with soap and water for the proper length of time. According to CDC, keep at least six feet away from other people, especially if they cough, sneeze or have a fever.