Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics
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.
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.
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”.
There 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 practice for naming of new human infectious diseases.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to a cold or flu.
Symptoms have included:
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cough
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fever
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difficulty breathing
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pneumonia in both lungs
In severe cases, infection can lead to death.
Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known incubation period for this disease.
Recent evidence indicates that the virus can be transmitted to others from someone who is infected but not showing symptoms. This includes people who:
have not yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic)
never develop symptoms (asymptomatic)
While experts know that these kinds of transmissions are happening among those in close contact or in close physical settings, it is not known to what extent. This means it is extremely important to follow the proven preventative measures.
Is there a Vaccine
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Why is Social Distancing important?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person and the most effective way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
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Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
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Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
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These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Sherlock to the Rescue
How to Protect Yourself & Others
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There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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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).
-
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
-
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
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Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Clean and Disinfect
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use Sherlock® soap and water prior to disinfection.
Then, use Sherlock® Disinfectant Spray.
Government Resources
The following resources may be beneficial in keeping you informed of ongoing issues and best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update these resources as appropriate.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO Home Page
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation dashboard
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC Home Page
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page
States Reporting Cases of COVID-19 to CDC
Healthcare Supply of PPE
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA Home Page
COVID-19 Resource Center
FDA COIVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions page
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH Home Page
NIH Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California
California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page
Stay home except for essential needs
News & Social Media Resources
We are monitoring social media outlets for the latest information and discussion topics. We will update these as news continues to develop on the Coronavirus outbreak.
Twitter
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization (WHO)
Twitter - Trending hashtags
#covid19
#coronavirus
#n95mask
#socialdistancing
#drfauci
#noncontactthermometer
#temperaturemonitoring
#ppeshortage
#coronavirusprevention
#chloroquine
#coronavirusupdates
#quarantinelife
#airtravel
#cruise
Facebook
Facebook Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Center
CDC Facebook Page
WHO Facebook Page
FDA Facebook Page
NIH Facebook Page
YouTube
Top News Search for COVID-19
News Media
NPR - Coronavirus Live Updates
CNN COVID-19 Latest News
USA Today - Coronavirus Updates
MSN News - Coronavirus Updates
Fact-Checking COVID-19
Snopes.com New Coronavirus Collection
COVID-19 Interactive Map
Videos
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