Coronavirus Live Map: Latest figures as the outbreak spreads

Coronaviruses 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). 

The symptoms of this new coronavirus (now known as COVID-19) include fever and respiratory symptoms including coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.

Human coronaviruses are spread from someone with confirmed coronavirus to other close contacts with that person through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects.

At this time, there is no vaccine for coronavirus. Efforts are underway to develop a vaccine. However, it is not clear that an effective vaccine will emerge in time to have an impact on this epidemic. Until that time, we must proceed as though it will not be 3 available. You can help prevent the spread of illness by washing hands often with soap and running water, staying home if you are sick, avoiding close contact with others who are sick, covering your coughs or sneezes with a tissue, and cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces.

If you have been in, departed from, or transited through mainland China (excluding Macau and Taiwan), Iran, Italy or South Korea in the last 14 days, you should self isolate yourself from others for 14 days from the day you departed China, Iran, Italy or South Korea and monitor yourself for symptoms. If you develop fever or respiratory symptoms, please call your doctor, or your local Emergency Department or healthdirect.

The infection period for the virus will vary from person to person. Mild symptoms in an otherwise healthy individual may resolve over just a few days. Similar to influenza, for an individual with other ongoing health issues, such as a respiratory condition, recovery may take weeks and in severe cases could be potentially fatal.

Face masks are not recommended for the general population.
People who have symptoms and might be infected with COVID-19 are required to stay in isolation at home and should wear a surgical face mask when in the same room as another person and when seeking medical advice to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to anyone else.

You can stay healthy and prevent the spread of infections by:
-Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
-Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
-Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
-Coughing or sneezing into your sleeve and not your hands.
-Staying home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.