COVID-19
About the Coronavirus
The following information and resources regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that had not previously been seen in humans. Reported illnesses caused by COVID-19 have ranged from very mild (including some with no symptoms) to severe, including death. Common symptoms are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
People at Risk
Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions - like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, for example - seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.
Protecting Yourself & Your Family
Everyone can do their part to help to stay safe and healthy. CDC recommends following everyday preventative actions to stay healthy:
- Get vaccinated.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- 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.
- 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.
Face Masks Recommended in Areas with High Transmission
The CDC recommends wearing face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Visit the CDC website to find current information about community transmission levels.
More Information
- Read up on the latest information about COVID-19 in the U.S.
- Learn more about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in communities such as work, schools, events, and more by visiting CDC's preparedness and action page.
- View the COVID-19 Global Cases Map by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at John Hopkins University.