Novel Coronavirus

What is the Coronavirus?

This is the official definition of the Coronavirus as stated by the WHO

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Helpful Information about Coronavirus

How Widespread is the COVID-19 CoronaVirus?

COVID-19 coronavirus ismoving quickly. On March 9 more than 4 thousand deaths were reported from the coronavirus and there were more than 114 thousand reported cases in 113 countries and territories and on one cruise ship. For up-to-date statistics: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

Is there a cure for Coronavirus?

There is no known cure for Coronavirus. Most cases are mild, similar to a cold, but those with serious cases, are hospitalized, placed in isolation and symptoms are treated.

Latest Media Reports about the Corona Virus

Both the Canadian government and the U.S. Whitehouse have issued guidelines to protect yourself and your family against COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019 .

Latest information March 15, 2020:

In Canada click https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

In the U.S., click www.coronavirus.gov

Latest statistics on Coronavirus:

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

Aljazeera February 26, 2020 Coronavirus Spreads in Middle East and Beyond

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/china-coronavirus-outbreak-latest-updates-200226003835539.html

MedicineNet Feb 5, 2020 - What You Need to Know About the Corona virus

https://www.medicinenet.com/wuhan_coronavirus_outbreak_2019-ncov/article.htm?ecd=mnl_men_022620

CNN TV - February 13 - Number of coronavirus cases spikes

https://www.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-02-13-20-intl-hnk/index.html

CNN TV - February 12 - Coronavirus death toll surpasses 1100