news.csv

source,url,question,answer,wrong_answer
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,What are the symptoms?,"Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
However, be aware that at this stage if you have a cough or a cold, it's likely that you just have a cough or a cold and not coronavirus.
If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.
If you get these symptoms above after being in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, seek medical attention.
The same goes if you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning home to Australia after being overseas.","As cases of coronavirus surge, health authorities are advising Australians to practise physical distancing (also called social distancing) as much as possible to limit transmission. Physical distancing is what everyone can do - like staying home - regardless of whether or not they've been exposed to coronavirus.
Self-isolating or self-quarantining is a more strict and onerous kind of physical distancing - it means cutting yourself off from the outside world.All passengers who arrive in Australia are going into mandatory quarantine in hotels for a fortnight.
Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania have also essentially closed their borders - any arrivals are required to self-isolate for 14 days."
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,When should I get tested?,Your doctor will tell you if you need to get tested.,"If you have been in contact with a person with a COVID-19 infection while they were ill, you need to isolate yourself for 14 days after you last saw that person.
In general, stay home as much as you can.
If you have to go out, from midnight Monday, March 30, you cannot see more than one other person. This applies to both private and public gatherings and indoor and outdoor spaces.
For example, if you go to the park, you can only go with one person.
The restrictions do not apply within your household - if you live in a sharehouse of four, you can still see your housemates.
You're also allowed to visit family members in other houses, including your partner.
Announcing this restriction, the Prime Minister said acceptable reasons to leave the house include:Shopping for what you needFor medical care or compassionate needs (e.g. caring for someone else)To exercise (provided no more than two people in a group)For work and education (if you cannot work or learn remotely)
The general aim of physical distancing rules is to avoid situations where you may come in close contact with others (face-to-face contact closer than one metre for more than 15 minutes or being in the same closed space for two hours).
Avoid shaking hands, crowds of people, and busy indoor and outdoor spaces."
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,What's the difference between physical distancing and self-isolation?,"As cases of coronavirus surge, health authorities are advising Australians to practise physical distancing (also called social distancing) as much as possible to limit transmission. Physical distancing is what everyone can do - like staying home - regardless of whether or not they've been exposed to coronavirus.
Self-isolating or self-quarantining is a more strict and onerous kind of physical distancing - it means cutting yourself off from the outside world.All passengers who arrive in Australia are going into mandatory quarantine in hotels for a fortnight.
Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania have also essentially closed their borders - any arrivals are required to self-isolate for 14 days.","Remember, the vast majority of Australians aren't being told to self-isolate. It only applies to those who have recently come back from overseas, (before midnight on March 28 - after then its forced quarantine), or if you've been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
But if you are one of those people who has to self-isolate, it means that you need to stay away from all situations where you could infect other people. This means any situation where you may come in close contact with others (face-to-face contact closer than one metre for more than 15 minutes or being in the same closed space for two hours).
You should avoid social gatherings, work, school, child care, university, sports gatherings, restaurants, and all other public gatherings.
You should try not to leave the house. If your outside areas are a shared space in a building or apartment block, it's best to wear a surgical mask while out there.
Stay in your room and clean lots.

"
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,How do I practice physical distancing?,"If you have been in contact with a person with a COVID-19 infection while they were ill, you need to isolate yourself for 14 days after you last saw that person.
In general, stay home as much as you can.
If you have to go out, from midnight Monday, March 30, you cannot see more than one other person. This applies to both private and public gatherings and indoor and outdoor spaces.
For example, if you go to the park, you can only go with one person.
The restrictions do not apply within your household - if you live in a sharehouse of four, you can still see your housemates.
You're also allowed to visit family members in other houses, including your partner.
Announcing this restriction, the Prime Minister said acceptable reasons to leave the house include:Shopping for what you needFor medical care or compassionate needs (e.g. caring for someone else)To exercise (provided no more than two people in a group)For work and education (if you cannot work or learn remotely)
The general aim of physical distancing rules is to avoid situations where you may come in close contact with others (face-to-face contact closer than one metre for more than 15 minutes or being in the same closed space for two hours).
Avoid shaking hands, crowds of people, and busy indoor and outdoor spaces.","Other countries have closed schools and universities as a social distancing measure, however Australia has not yet taken this step.
The situation with schools varies state by state. Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory will keep schools open for the children of essential workers but will began to implement pupil-free days in the coming weeks. Victoria and ACT schools are already on break. NSW schools remain open but students are encouraged to stay at home.
Several schools around the country have closed temporarily after a staff member or student tested positive for the virus.
Some universities have chosen to close their campuses."
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,What's closed?,"Physical distancing is the reason the Federal Government has closed pubs, indoor sporting venues and churches across Australia.
The situation with schools varies state by state. Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory will keep schools open for the children of essential workers but will began to implement pupil-free days in the coming weeks. Victoria and ACT schools are already on break. NSW schools remain open but students are encouraged to stay at home.
The Prime Minister has said all ""non-essential"" travel within Australia should be cancelled. Western Australia and South Australia have closed their borders - any arrivals after Tuesday afternoon, March 24, will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
The goal of these social distancing measures is to avoid a worst-case scenario that would see four million Australians contract COVID-19 in a single wave.
Slowing the spread may prevent health services from being overwhelmed by coronavirus cases.
From midnight on Wednesday, March 25, these activities and businesses will no longer be allowed to continue:
Amusement parks and arcadesIndoor and outdoor play centresCommunity and recreation centres, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities, saunas, wellness centresPublic swimming poolsGalleries, museums, national institutions, historic sites, libraries, community centresAuction housesReal estate auctions and open house inspectionsIn-store beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons and tattoo parlours, spa and massage parlours (excluding allied-health-related services, like physiotherapy)Food courts within shopping centres will only be able to sell takeaway. Shopping centres themselves will remain openHairdressers and barber shops can continue, but a customer must not be on the premises longer than one hourPersonal training and boot camps are limited to a maximum of 10 peopleWeddings can continue, but only with the couple, the celebrant, and witnesses totalling a maximum of five peopleFunerals are limited to a maximum of 10 peopleOutdoor and indoor food markets will be addressed by individual states and territories","Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
However, be aware that at this stage if you have a cough or a cold, it's likely that you just have a cough or a cold and not coronavirus.
If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.
If you get these symptoms above after being in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, seek medical attention.
The same goes if you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning home to Australia after being overseas."
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,What are the rules of self-isolation?,"Remember, the vast majority of Australians aren't being told to self-isolate. It only applies to those who have recently come back from overseas, (before midnight on March 28 - after then its forced quarantine), or if you've been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
But if you are one of those people who has to self-isolate, it means that you need to stay away from all situations where you could infect other people. This means any situation where you may come in close contact with others (face-to-face contact closer than one metre for more than 15 minutes or being in the same closed space for two hours).
You should avoid social gatherings, work, school, child care, university, sports gatherings, restaurants, and all other public gatherings.
You should try not to leave the house. If your outside areas are a shared space in a building or apartment block, it's best to wear a surgical mask while out there.
Stay in your room and clean lots.

",Your doctor will tell you if you need to get tested.
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,How do I self-isolate in a sharehouse?,"If you're living with people who are not in isolation, wear a mask when you're in the same room as them. It's best to sleep in a different room to your partner, avoid spending time in communal areas and use a separate bathroom, if possible.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before entering areas used by others and after using the bathroom.","As cases of coronavirus surge, health authorities are advising Australians to practise physical distancing (also called social distancing) as much as possible to limit transmission. Physical distancing is what everyone can do - like staying home - regardless of whether or not they've been exposed to coronavirus.
Self-isolating or self-quarantining is a more strict and onerous kind of physical distancing - it means cutting yourself off from the outside world.All passengers who arrive in Australia are going into mandatory quarantine in hotels for a fortnight.
Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania have also essentially closed their borders - any arrivals are required to self-isolate for 14 days."
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,Should I avoid domestic travel?,"The Prime Minister has also said all ""non-essential"" travel within Australia should be cancelled. Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania have essentially closed their borders - any arrivals are required to self-isolate for 14 days.","Welfare bodies want a ban on housing evictions for the next few months to support people who have lost their income because of the coronavirus outbreak.
So far, however, that's not happening.
The WA Government has frozen all 'household fees and charges' - this doesn't include rent. It will mean electricity, water, motor vehicle charges, the emergency services levy and public transport fares in the state will not increase until at least July 2021.
"
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,Should I avoid big gatherings like parties or weddings?,"Yes. Avoid big gatherings.
Weddings can continue, but only with the couple, the celebrant, and witnesses totalling a maximum of five people. Funerals are limited to a maximum of 10 people
In addition to this, pubs, clubs, restaurants and churches have also been forced to close.","Other countries have closed schools and universities as a social distancing measure, however Australia has not yet taken this step.
The situation with schools varies state by state. Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory will keep schools open for the children of essential workers but will began to implement pupil-free days in the coming weeks. Victoria and ACT schools are already on break. NSW schools remain open but students are encouraged to stay at home.
Several schools around the country have closed temporarily after a staff member or student tested positive for the virus.
Some universities have chosen to close their campuses."
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,Will I get paid if I can't work?,"This may depend on whether you're permanent or casual.
Usually, if you are asked by your employer not to work (assuming you're a full-time or part-time employee), you would be entitled to be paid.
However, that typically applies to natural disasters, and not a pandemic like COVID-19.
Experts say that, unless there's a special clause in your Enterprise Agreement, employers may be able to stand employees down without pay.
This will vary with each employer, so it's best to check with them.
For casual workers and independent contractors, including gig economy workers, the situation is potentially more grim.
According to Fair Work, if you're a casual employee needing to look after a family member who is sick with coronavirus, or suffering an unexpected emergency, you are entitled to just two days of unpaid carer's leave per occasion.
After that, you'll need to contact your employer to work out an arrangement.
Casual employees and independent contractors may qualify for the sickness allowance, a means-tested payment that provides up to $560 for singles without children and $1,010 for couples out of work due to illness.
The Government has waived the one-week waiting period to access the allowance.
The Federal Government has increased existing payments for welfare allowances, and expanding eligibility criteria for new applicants, for six months to late September.
You can apply for this without going into Centrelink. More information here.","Yes. Avoid big gatherings.
Weddings can continue, but only with the couple, the celebrant, and witnesses totalling a maximum of five people. Funerals are limited to a maximum of 10 people
In addition to this, pubs, clubs, restaurants and churches have also been forced to close."
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,Can I get welfare?,Yes. ,"Welfare bodies want a ban on housing evictions for the next few months to support people who have lost their income because of the coronavirus outbreak.
So far, however, that's not happening.
The WA Government has frozen all 'household fees and charges' - this doesn't include rent. It will mean electricity, water, motor vehicle charges, the emergency services levy and public transport fares in the state will not increase until at least July 2021.
"
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,Do I still have to pay rent?,"Welfare bodies want a ban on housing evictions for the next few months to support people who have lost their income because of the coronavirus outbreak.
So far, however, that's not happening.
The WA Government has frozen all 'household fees and charges' - this doesn't include rent. It will mean electricity, water, motor vehicle charges, the emergency services levy and public transport fares in the state will not increase until at least July 2021.
","Physical distancing is the reason the Federal Government has closed pubs, indoor sporting venues and churches across Australia.
The situation with schools varies state by state. Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory will keep schools open for the children of essential workers but will began to implement pupil-free days in the coming weeks. Victoria and ACT schools are already on break. NSW schools remain open but students are encouraged to stay at home.
The Prime Minister has said all ""non-essential"" travel within Australia should be cancelled. Western Australia and South Australia have closed their borders - any arrivals after Tuesday afternoon, March 24, will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
The goal of these social distancing measures is to avoid a worst-case scenario that would see four million Australians contract COVID-19 in a single wave.
Slowing the spread may prevent health services from being overwhelmed by coronavirus cases.
From midnight on Wednesday, March 25, these activities and businesses will no longer be allowed to continue:
Amusement parks and arcadesIndoor and outdoor play centresCommunity and recreation centres, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities, saunas, wellness centresPublic swimming poolsGalleries, museums, national institutions, historic sites, libraries, community centresAuction housesReal estate auctions and open house inspectionsIn-store beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons and tattoo parlours, spa and massage parlours (excluding allied-health-related services, like physiotherapy)Food courts within shopping centres will only be able to sell takeaway. Shopping centres themselves will remain openHairdressers and barber shops can continue, but a customer must not be on the premises longer than one hourPersonal training and boot camps are limited to a maximum of 10 peopleWeddings can continue, but only with the couple, the celebrant, and witnesses totalling a maximum of five peopleFunerals are limited to a maximum of 10 peopleOutdoor and indoor food markets will be addressed by individual states and territories"
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,Can you catch coronavirus twice?,"A definitive answer is not yet known, but experts say reinfection seems unlikely.","As cases of coronavirus surge, health authorities are advising Australians to practise physical distancing (also called social distancing) as much as possible to limit transmission. Physical distancing is what everyone can do - like staying home - regardless of whether or not they've been exposed to coronavirus.
Self-isolating or self-quarantining is a more strict and onerous kind of physical distancing - it means cutting yourself off from the outside world.All passengers who arrive in Australia are going into mandatory quarantine in hotels for a fortnight.
Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania have also essentially closed their borders - any arrivals are required to self-isolate for 14 days."
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,Are there any extra risks for pregnant women or their developing babies?,"The peak body for obstetrics and gynaecology and women's health, RANZCOG, has advice and information about COVID-19.
At this time, pregnant women do not appear to be more severely unwell if they develop COVID-19 infection than the general populationThere is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriageThere is no evidence to suggest the virus can pass to your developing babyThere is no evidence the virus is carried in breastmilk","As cases of coronavirus surge, health authorities are advising Australians to practise physical distancing (also called social distancing) as much as possible to limit transmission. Physical distancing is what everyone can do - like staying home - regardless of whether or not they've been exposed to coronavirus.
Self-isolating or self-quarantining is a more strict and onerous kind of physical distancing - it means cutting yourself off from the outside world.All passengers who arrive in Australia are going into mandatory quarantine in hotels for a fortnight.
Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania have also essentially closed their borders - any arrivals are required to self-isolate for 14 days."
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,Are schools and unis closed? Will they close?,"Other countries have closed schools and universities as a social distancing measure, however Australia has not yet taken this step.
The situation with schools varies state by state. Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory will keep schools open for the children of essential workers but will began to implement pupil-free days in the coming weeks. Victoria and ACT schools are already on break. NSW schools remain open but students are encouraged to stay at home.
Several schools around the country have closed temporarily after a staff member or student tested positive for the virus.
Some universities have chosen to close their campuses.","The Prime Minister has also said all ""non-essential"" travel within Australia should be cancelled. Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania have essentially closed their borders - any arrivals are required to self-isolate for 14 days."
ABC Australia,https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12063976,How far away is a cure or vaccine?,"About 35 companies and academic institutions are racing to create such a vaccine, at least four of which already have candidates they have been testing in animals.
The first of these has begun testing in Seattle.
However, even if the trials prove the experimental vaccine is safe and effective, it will still be many months before it can be mass-produced and distributed.",Your doctor will tell you if you need to get tested.
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768755,What are the symptoms?,"Novel coronavirus can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe, including cough, fever and shortness of breath. Since the symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia, influenza and the common cold, only a diagnostic test can confirm whether an individual has coronavirus.","The decision may be out of your hands.

The U.S. State Department has a Level 4 global health advisory in place, which says that Americans should avoid all international travel because of COVID-19.

""In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period,"" the advisory reads.

The situation is fluid and rapidly evolving, so you should check the State Department's website often and use that information to inform your decisions.

Many countries experiencing outbreaks are implementing travel restrictions, mandatory quarantines and border closures with little advanced notice, and some Americans traveling in those countries have found themselves stranded, without a way to get home. 

If you are in a high-risk group, meaning you are an older person, or have an underlying medical condition, ""you should now be thinking about social distancing,"" Schaffner advised.

""Part of that is thinking really hard about whether you need to get on an airplane,"" he said. ""I think this is a good time to postpone those trips.""

Even if your trip is to a low-risk area, traveling on a plane will mean being in an enclosed space with fellow travelers. The CDC now recommends that all travelers, especially those with underlying health conditions, avoid cruise ships."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768756,How is it transmitted?,"The first cases of COVID-19 were believed to be linked to a live-animal market in China, but the virus has since been spreading from person to person.

Person-to-person transmission is most likely between people in close contact, about 6 feet. When a person infected with novel coronavirus sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets could land on people nearby or could possibly be inhaled by those people.

While the virus can be transmitted by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with COVID-19, health experts don't currently believe that's primarily how it's transmitted.","A study of previous coronaviruses found human coronaviruses could theoretically last on surfaces at room temperature for up to nine days.

That length of time could depend on:

The type of surface, because viruses survive on shiny, hard surfaces longer than soft ones;
Whether it is exposed to sunlight, because UV radiation kills viruses; and
Temperature and humidity, because viruses last longer at lower temperatures and lower humidity."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768757,I live in the United States. What should I do?,"While specific guidelines vary from city to city, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that Americans practice social distancing, and stay home, avoid mass gatherings and maintain 6 feet between themselves and others whenever possible. These efforts are intended to help ""flatten the curve,"" which means distributing the number of coronavirus cases over a longer period of time, to avoid overwhelming the health care system.

Americans should continue to uphold proper flu season hygiene. Wash your hands often, stay home if you're sick and cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hand.

If schools in your district have not yet closed, Dr. William Schaffner, medical director for the nonprofit National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, suggested sitting down and outlining a plan for how your family might handle schools and businesses closing. Does an older relative take prescription medication? Now might be a good time to stockpile at least two weeks' worth.

Call schools and ask if there are plans for remote schooling -- as some schools have done. Figure out a childcare plan in the event schools close, and ask about remote working options. Asking more questions now hopefully means asking fewer later.","Not unless you are the one who is sick.

The CDC doesn’t currently recommend any healthy person wear a mask and doctors warn fiddling with putting on and taking off a mask could backfire by exposing your hands to your face.

""Surgical masks fit rather loosely around the face and are not constructed, nor thick enough, to prevent infection,"" Schaffner said.

While they could have a modest benefit, any protection they provide is likely more psychological than scientific. N-95 masks, which hospitals use, are expensive and aren't easy to wear, meaning they're not a practical option for everyday use. As health officials have noted, masks should be reserved for the health care workers, not the general public.

In recent weeks, N-95 masks have grown so scarce that the White House is asking Americans who have them, as well as construction companies, to donate them to hospitals, so that health care workers aren't forced to treat COVID-19 patients without a mask, which puts them at risk for contracting the virus themselves.

""The other thing a mask can do is give you a false sense of security, and that's not helpful,"" said Dr. Michael Merson, a visiting professor at NYU's School of Global Public Health and a professor at Duke University. Masks work better at preventing people who are coughing and sneezing from spreading respiratory droplets and infecting others, but ""those people who are sick should probably be at home anyway.""

"
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768758,Should I wear a face mask?,"Not unless you are the one who is sick.

The CDC doesn’t currently recommend any healthy person wear a mask and doctors warn fiddling with putting on and taking off a mask could backfire by exposing your hands to your face.

""Surgical masks fit rather loosely around the face and are not constructed, nor thick enough, to prevent infection,"" Schaffner said.

While they could have a modest benefit, any protection they provide is likely more psychological than scientific. N-95 masks, which hospitals use, are expensive and aren't easy to wear, meaning they're not a practical option for everyday use. As health officials have noted, masks should be reserved for the health care workers, not the general public.

In recent weeks, N-95 masks have grown so scarce that the White House is asking Americans who have them, as well as construction companies, to donate them to hospitals, so that health care workers aren't forced to treat COVID-19 patients without a mask, which puts them at risk for contracting the virus themselves.

""The other thing a mask can do is give you a false sense of security, and that's not helpful,"" said Dr. Michael Merson, a visiting professor at NYU's School of Global Public Health and a professor at Duke University. Masks work better at preventing people who are coughing and sneezing from spreading respiratory droplets and infecting others, but ""those people who are sick should probably be at home anyway.""

","Yes, but kids rarely have severe symptoms.

Reports from China include children who have contracted COVID-19, but those children typically had very mild symptoms and the majority of cases were diagnosed in adults. Severe complications from coronavirus, like acute respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock, are rare among kids. Similar to adults, children with underlying health problems may be at increased risk risk for complications associated with COVID-19.
"
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768759,Should I be tested for the virus?,"It's not completely up to you.

The CDC recently rolled out new guidance, allowing anyone to be tested for COVID-19 without restrictions, as long as their doctor approves. Testing is on the rise in the U.S., but experts say it is not yet enough.

If you have traveled to an area with local transmission or have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed to the virus, and develop symptoms, such as cough or fever, your health care provider can work with the local health department to determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19.

If you have symptoms, but no travel history to an outbreak area, you could go to a clinic and have a rapid test done to rule out more common viruses, such as influenza, Merson advised.

If you have mild symptoms and are worried that you might have COVID-19, call your doctor or local health department instead of going to a clinic or doctor's office without an appointment, to ensure you aren't potentially exposing others to the virus. If you have severe breathing problems, seek medical attention or call 911 immediately, recommends Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News’ chief medical correspondent.

You should let the person you speak with know that you have respiratory problems and need to be isolated and seen right away.","Concerned.

Stay on top of CDC updates and guidance, as well as from state and local health departments. Take the time to sit down and plan for what you'll do if local transmission of the virus occurs in your city.

Even the experts aren't completely sure what's going to happen.

""It's hard,"" said Dr. Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa, who described receiving a text message from his son asking whether he should stock up on canned goods.

""I would be inclined not to,"" Perlman said. ""We know from other cases that it actually tends to make things worse, because people stock up and then we don't have anything.""

COVID-19 appears to be more fatal than the flu, with some studies pegging COVID-19's fatality rate at around 3.4%, while the flu's fatality rate is less than 1%. Still, experts anticipate that COVID-19's mortality rate will fall when more people with mild symptoms are diagnosed with the virus. Typically, the sickest people tend to seek health care treatment first. Compared to past coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, however, most COVID-19 cases are mild.

""For most people, it's going to mean no disease or a mild illness,"" Merson said. Unfortunately, that mildness could also explain why COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly than highly fatal diseases do. HIV, for example, ""was very fatal, but hard to transmit,"" he added."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768760,Should I cancel my upcoming trip to Europe or Asia?,"The decision may be out of your hands.

The U.S. State Department has a Level 4 global health advisory in place, which says that Americans should avoid all international travel because of COVID-19.

""In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period,"" the advisory reads.

The situation is fluid and rapidly evolving, so you should check the State Department's website often and use that information to inform your decisions.

Many countries experiencing outbreaks are implementing travel restrictions, mandatory quarantines and border closures with little advanced notice, and some Americans traveling in those countries have found themselves stranded, without a way to get home. 

If you are in a high-risk group, meaning you are an older person, or have an underlying medical condition, ""you should now be thinking about social distancing,"" Schaffner advised.

""Part of that is thinking really hard about whether you need to get on an airplane,"" he said. ""I think this is a good time to postpone those trips.""

Even if your trip is to a low-risk area, traveling on a plane will mean being in an enclosed space with fellow travelers. The CDC now recommends that all travelers, especially those with underlying health conditions, avoid cruise ships.","The first case of coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan on December 12, 2019.

The virus is first thought to have originated from the city's Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768761,Do quarantines work?,"""The short answer is apparently, yes, and better than we thought,"" Schaffner said.

After China imposed strict quarantine and lockdown measures in hard-hit Hubei province, new cases of COVID-19 appeared to decline, Schaffner explained.

MORE: What life is like under novel coronavirus quarantine
It's too soon to know the full effect of that quarantine, which is essentially an unprecedented public health experiment. And imposing strict quarantine measures on an entire community may not be replicable outside of China.

Italy has locked down its entire population of 60 million, a dramatic move to try to tamp down on a rising number of cases and deaths.","The first cases of COVID-19 were believed to be linked to a live-animal market in China, but the virus has since been spreading from person to person.

Person-to-person transmission is most likely between people in close contact, about 6 feet. When a person infected with novel coronavirus sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets could land on people nearby or could possibly be inhaled by those people.

While the virus can be transmitted by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with COVID-19, health experts don't currently believe that's primarily how it's transmitted."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768762,Is the outbreak a pandemic?,"Yes.

The World Health organization defines a pandemic as ""the worldwide spread of a new disease,"" and on March 11, the WHO's director general announced that COVID-19 met those criteria.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO's director general, stressed that the designation doesn't mean that citizens should stop trying to contain the virus.

""Find, isolate, test and treat every case, and trace every contact,"" he said. ""Ready your hospitals. Protect and train your health care workers.""

For the United States, community transmission in several cities and a growing number of cases that aren't able to be traced to travel or contact with individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 makes it probable that there will be extensive spread here.

""A lot of us have been sitting back and watching this from a distant place,"" Schaffner noted, adding that the game has changed in recent days. He cautioned against ""running around like a chicken with its head cut off,"" and recommended thinking ahead. A large increase in cases in your community could mean school closures or other changes to your routine.

""Be prudent and be prepared to participate as much as you can in social distancing when that becomes the order of the day,"" he said. If health authorities advise against mass gatherings, for example, don't make a fuss.

""It shouldn't panic you,"" Schaffner said. ""But it should get your attention.""","The first cases of COVID-19 were believed to be linked to a live-animal market in China, but the virus has since been spreading from person to person.

Person-to-person transmission is most likely between people in close contact, about 6 feet. When a person infected with novel coronavirus sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets could land on people nearby or could possibly be inhaled by those people.

While the virus can be transmitted by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with COVID-19, health experts don't currently believe that's primarily how it's transmitted."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768763,How concerned should I be -- how does COVID-19 compare to the flu?,"Concerned.

Stay on top of CDC updates and guidance, as well as from state and local health departments. Take the time to sit down and plan for what you'll do if local transmission of the virus occurs in your city.

Even the experts aren't completely sure what's going to happen.

""It's hard,"" said Dr. Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa, who described receiving a text message from his son asking whether he should stock up on canned goods.

""I would be inclined not to,"" Perlman said. ""We know from other cases that it actually tends to make things worse, because people stock up and then we don't have anything.""

COVID-19 appears to be more fatal than the flu, with some studies pegging COVID-19's fatality rate at around 3.4%, while the flu's fatality rate is less than 1%. Still, experts anticipate that COVID-19's mortality rate will fall when more people with mild symptoms are diagnosed with the virus. Typically, the sickest people tend to seek health care treatment first. Compared to past coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, however, most COVID-19 cases are mild.

""For most people, it's going to mean no disease or a mild illness,"" Merson said. Unfortunately, that mildness could also explain why COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly than highly fatal diseases do. HIV, for example, ""was very fatal, but hard to transmit,"" he added.","We don't know.

Because COVID-19 is a new virus, we don't know whether pregnant women are more susceptible than the general population. Based on data from previous coronaviruses, like SARS and MERS, some experts believe that pregnant women may be at higher risk for severe illness and death, but that data is limited and far from conclusive.

For now, neither the CDC nor the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend any specific guidance for pregnant women beyond what they recommend to the general public."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768764,Can kids get coronavirus?,"Yes, but kids rarely have severe symptoms.

Reports from China include children who have contracted COVID-19, but those children typically had very mild symptoms and the majority of cases were diagnosed in adults. Severe complications from coronavirus, like acute respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock, are rare among kids. Similar to adults, children with underlying health problems may be at increased risk risk for complications associated with COVID-19.
","""The short answer is apparently, yes, and better than we thought,"" Schaffner said.

After China imposed strict quarantine and lockdown measures in hard-hit Hubei province, new cases of COVID-19 appeared to decline, Schaffner explained.

MORE: What life is like under novel coronavirus quarantine
It's too soon to know the full effect of that quarantine, which is essentially an unprecedented public health experiment. And imposing strict quarantine measures on an entire community may not be replicable outside of China.

Italy has locked down its entire population of 60 million, a dramatic move to try to tamp down on a rising number of cases and deaths."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768765,Are pregnant women at higher risk?,"We don't know.

Because COVID-19 is a new virus, we don't know whether pregnant women are more susceptible than the general population. Based on data from previous coronaviruses, like SARS and MERS, some experts believe that pregnant women may be at higher risk for severe illness and death, but that data is limited and far from conclusive.

For now, neither the CDC nor the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend any specific guidance for pregnant women beyond what they recommend to the general public.","Yes.

The World Health organization defines a pandemic as ""the worldwide spread of a new disease,"" and on March 11, the WHO's director general announced that COVID-19 met those criteria.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO's director general, stressed that the designation doesn't mean that citizens should stop trying to contain the virus.

""Find, isolate, test and treat every case, and trace every contact,"" he said. ""Ready your hospitals. Protect and train your health care workers.""

For the United States, community transmission in several cities and a growing number of cases that aren't able to be traced to travel or contact with individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 makes it probable that there will be extensive spread here.

""A lot of us have been sitting back and watching this from a distant place,"" Schaffner noted, adding that the game has changed in recent days. He cautioned against ""running around like a chicken with its head cut off,"" and recommended thinking ahead. A large increase in cases in your community could mean school closures or other changes to your routine.

""Be prudent and be prepared to participate as much as you can in social distancing when that becomes the order of the day,"" he said. If health authorities advise against mass gatherings, for example, don't make a fuss.

""It shouldn't panic you,"" Schaffner said. ""But it should get your attention."""
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768766,Is there a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19?,"No. There are trials underway in China and elsewhere, but because the virus is new, there's no approved treatment for COVID-19 and a vaccine is likely more than a year away.","The COVID-19 test can be ordered by a specialist coronavirus clinic, your local GP or a hospital emergency department.

The Federal Government has announced plans to create up to 100 coronavirus pop-up clinics across the country.

But these testing facilities vary state by state, so it's best to first be in touch with the coronavirus health information hotline on 1800 020 080 for advice.

Testing methods may include a blood test, a swab test inside your nose or in the back of your throat, or a sputum test, which examines a mix of saliva and mucus.

Remember, you may still need a GP referral before attending new clinics, so be sure to check first."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768767,Can I exercise outside? What about going to the park?,"Yes, but don't forget about social distancing.

Regular exercise can help keep you physically and mentally healthy during the outbreak. You should feel free to talk a walk, go to the park and get outside, but maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and others during that time. Don't pack into a crowded park, beach or hiking trail. Instead, head to an area with fewer people or exercise at off-hours, when not as many people are out and about.

Since COVID-19 can live on hard surfaces, and most playgrounds aren't cleaned and disinfected regularly, you may want to reconsider bringing your child there, especially if you live in an area with ongoing coronavirus transmissions. If you do decide to go to the playground, make sure your child stays at least 6 feet away from other children.","Yes, but don't forget about social distancing.

Regular exercise can help keep you physically and mentally healthy during the outbreak. You should feel free to talk a walk, go to the park and get outside, but maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and others during that time. Don't pack into a crowded park, beach or hiking trail. Instead, head to an area with fewer people or exercise at off-hours, when not as many people are out and about.

Since COVID-19 can live on hard surfaces, and most playgrounds aren't cleaned and disinfected regularly, you may want to reconsider bringing your child there, especially if you live in an area with ongoing coronavirus transmissions. If you do decide to go to the playground, make sure your child stays at least 6 feet away from other children."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,How did coronavirus start?,"The first case of coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan on December 12, 2019.

The virus is first thought to have originated from the city's Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.","It's not completely up to you.

The CDC recently rolled out new guidance, allowing anyone to be tested for COVID-19 without restrictions, as long as their doctor approves. Testing is on the rise in the U.S., but experts say it is not yet enough.

If you have traveled to an area with local transmission or have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed to the virus, and develop symptoms, such as cough or fever, your health care provider can work with the local health department to determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19.

If you have symptoms, but no travel history to an outbreak area, you could go to a clinic and have a rapid test done to rule out more common viruses, such as influenza, Merson advised.

If you have mild symptoms and are worried that you might have COVID-19, call your doctor or local health department instead of going to a clinic or doctor's office without an appointment, to ensure you aren't potentially exposing others to the virus. If you have severe breathing problems, seek medical attention or call 911 immediately, recommends Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News’ chief medical correspondent.

You should let the person you speak with know that you have respiratory problems and need to be isolated and seen right away."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,How do you catch coronavirus?,"Coronavirus is thought to be spread by small drops of moisture we release when we sneeze or cough.

The moisture has to get into your body to make you sick, which means you can catch coronavirus if those droplets get into your eyes, nose or mouth.","Scientists are working on new technologies to try and develop a vaccine for COVID-19.

The World Health Organisation said the first vaccines targeting the disease could take 18 months to develop, which would mean August, 2021."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,How do I know if I have coronavirus?,"The most common symptoms of coronavirus are fever, sore throat, dry cough and fatigue. Other symptoms can also include headaches, nasal congestion or a runny nose.

Diarrhea and nausea have also been reported as symptoms but they are less common.","We don't know.

Because COVID-19 is a new virus, we don't know whether pregnant women are more susceptible than the general population. Based on data from previous coronaviruses, like SARS and MERS, some experts believe that pregnant women may be at higher risk for severe illness and death, but that data is limited and far from conclusive.

For now, neither the CDC nor the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend any specific guidance for pregnant women beyond what they recommend to the general public."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,How is coronavirus tested?,"The COVID-19 test can be ordered by a specialist coronavirus clinic, your local GP or a hospital emergency department.

The Federal Government has announced plans to create up to 100 coronavirus pop-up clinics across the country.

But these testing facilities vary state by state, so it's best to first be in touch with the coronavirus health information hotline on 1800 020 080 for advice.

Testing methods may include a blood test, a swab test inside your nose or in the back of your throat, or a sputum test, which examines a mix of saliva and mucus.

Remember, you may still need a GP referral before attending new clinics, so be sure to check first.","We don't know.

Because COVID-19 is a new virus, we don't know whether pregnant women are more susceptible than the general population. Based on data from previous coronaviruses, like SARS and MERS, some experts believe that pregnant women may be at higher risk for severe illness and death, but that data is limited and far from conclusive.

For now, neither the CDC nor the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend any specific guidance for pregnant women beyond what they recommend to the general public."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,How do you get tested for coronavirus?,"To get tested for coronavirus, you should first contact your general practitioner (GP) and warn them of your symptoms before arriving at the practice.

Your GP or hospital emergency department can order the test kits and, once completed, they are processed in public health laboratories across Australia.","Many people diagnosed with the coronavirus will feel like they have the flu.

The main difference between COVID-19 and the flu is that there is a lack of immunity in the community for the new coronavirus because there is no vaccine.

Another difference is that the coronavirus appears to take about six to seven days to spread between people, whereas the flu can spread between people in four days."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,How long can coronavirus survive on a surface?,"A study of previous coronaviruses found human coronaviruses could theoretically last on surfaces at room temperature for up to nine days.

That length of time could depend on:

The type of surface, because viruses survive on shiny, hard surfaces longer than soft ones;
Whether it is exposed to sunlight, because UV radiation kills viruses; and
Temperature and humidity, because viruses last longer at lower temperatures and lower humidity.","Novel coronavirus can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe, including cough, fever and shortness of breath. Since the symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia, influenza and the common cold, only a diagnostic test can confirm whether an individual has coronavirus."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,How can I prevent myself getting coronavirus?,"The best way to avoid catching coronavirus from touching a contaminated surface is to wash your hands properly and avoid touching your face.

You should also wash your hands:

After you use the bathroom;
After you cough or sneeze;
After taking public transport;
Before eating and preparing food;
After touching animals;
When caring for someone who is sick","""The short answer is apparently, yes, and better than we thought,"" Schaffner said.

After China imposed strict quarantine and lockdown measures in hard-hit Hubei province, new cases of COVID-19 appeared to decline, Schaffner explained.

MORE: What life is like under novel coronavirus quarantine
It's too soon to know the full effect of that quarantine, which is essentially an unprecedented public health experiment. And imposing strict quarantine measures on an entire community may not be replicable outside of China.

Italy has locked down its entire population of 60 million, a dramatic move to try to tamp down on a rising number of cases and deaths."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,Who is most at risk of catching coronavirus?,"People over 65 are at higher risk of more severe symptoms, as are those with pre-existing conditions like heart disease or asthma.

Unlike during the influenza outbreak in 2009, pregnant women do not seem to be at greater risk of contracting coronavirus.","No. There are trials underway in China and elsewhere, but because the virus is new, there's no approved treatment for COVID-19 and a vaccine is likely more than a year away."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,Is coronavirus worse than the flu?,"Many people diagnosed with the coronavirus will feel like they have the flu.

The main difference between COVID-19 and the flu is that there is a lack of immunity in the community for the new coronavirus because there is no vaccine.

Another difference is that the coronavirus appears to take about six to seven days to spread between people, whereas the flu can spread between people in four days.","""The short answer is apparently, yes, and better than we thought,"" Schaffner said.

After China imposed strict quarantine and lockdown measures in hard-hit Hubei province, new cases of COVID-19 appeared to decline, Schaffner explained.

MORE: What life is like under novel coronavirus quarantine
It's too soon to know the full effect of that quarantine, which is essentially an unprecedented public health experiment. And imposing strict quarantine measures on an entire community may not be replicable outside of China.

Italy has locked down its entire population of 60 million, a dramatic move to try to tamp down on a rising number of cases and deaths."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,Can children get coronavirus?,"Yes, although people aged under 18 are less susceptible to the virus, according to the limited clinical reports available.","The COVID-19 test can be ordered by a specialist coronavirus clinic, your local GP or a hospital emergency department.

The Federal Government has announced plans to create up to 100 coronavirus pop-up clinics across the country.

But these testing facilities vary state by state, so it's best to first be in touch with the coronavirus health information hotline on 1800 020 080 for advice.

Testing methods may include a blood test, a swab test inside your nose or in the back of your throat, or a sputum test, which examines a mix of saliva and mucus.

Remember, you may still need a GP referral before attending new clinics, so be sure to check first."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,Can dogs get coronavirus?,The World Health Organisation says there is currently no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.,"Yes.

The World Health organization defines a pandemic as ""the worldwide spread of a new disease,"" and on March 11, the WHO's director general announced that COVID-19 met those criteria.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO's director general, stressed that the designation doesn't mean that citizens should stop trying to contain the virus.

""Find, isolate, test and treat every case, and trace every contact,"" he said. ""Ready your hospitals. Protect and train your health care workers.""

For the United States, community transmission in several cities and a growing number of cases that aren't able to be traced to travel or contact with individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 makes it probable that there will be extensive spread here.

""A lot of us have been sitting back and watching this from a distant place,"" Schaffner noted, adding that the game has changed in recent days. He cautioned against ""running around like a chicken with its head cut off,"" and recommended thinking ahead. A large increase in cases in your community could mean school closures or other changes to your routine.

""Be prudent and be prepared to participate as much as you can in social distancing when that becomes the order of the day,"" he said. If health authorities advise against mass gatherings, for example, don't make a fuss.

""It shouldn't panic you,"" Schaffner said. ""But it should get your attention."""
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,How long will the coronavirus last?,"Scientists are working on new technologies to try and develop a vaccine for COVID-19.

The World Health Organisation said the first vaccines targeting the disease could take 18 months to develop, which would mean August, 2021.","Concerned.

Stay on top of CDC updates and guidance, as well as from state and local health departments. Take the time to sit down and plan for what you'll do if local transmission of the virus occurs in your city.

Even the experts aren't completely sure what's going to happen.

""It's hard,"" said Dr. Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa, who described receiving a text message from his son asking whether he should stock up on canned goods.

""I would be inclined not to,"" Perlman said. ""We know from other cases that it actually tends to make things worse, because people stock up and then we don't have anything.""

COVID-19 appears to be more fatal than the flu, with some studies pegging COVID-19's fatality rate at around 3.4%, while the flu's fatality rate is less than 1%. Still, experts anticipate that COVID-19's mortality rate will fall when more people with mild symptoms are diagnosed with the virus. Typically, the sickest people tend to seek health care treatment first. Compared to past coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, however, most COVID-19 cases are mild.

""For most people, it's going to mean no disease or a mild illness,"" Merson said. Unfortunately, that mildness could also explain why COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly than highly fatal diseases do. HIV, for example, ""was very fatal, but hard to transmit,"" he added."
ABC News,https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/coronavirus-faq-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/12042318,Why is coronavirus so bad in Italy?,"COVID-19 has a more severe effect on the elderly and people with existing medical conditions.

According to a 2019 UN report, 23 per cent of Italy's population is 65 or older.","Concerned.

Stay on top of CDC updates and guidance, as well as from state and local health departments. Take the time to sit down and plan for what you'll do if local transmission of the virus occurs in your city.

Even the experts aren't completely sure what's going to happen.

""It's hard,"" said Dr. Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa, who described receiving a text message from his son asking whether he should stock up on canned goods.

""I would be inclined not to,"" Perlman said. ""We know from other cases that it actually tends to make things worse, because people stock up and then we don't have anything.""

COVID-19 appears to be more fatal than the flu, with some studies pegging COVID-19's fatality rate at around 3.4%, while the flu's fatality rate is less than 1%. Still, experts anticipate that COVID-19's mortality rate will fall when more people with mild symptoms are diagnosed with the virus. Typically, the sickest people tend to seek health care treatment first. Compared to past coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, however, most COVID-19 cases are mild.

""For most people, it's going to mean no disease or a mild illness,"" Merson said. Unfortunately, that mildness could also explain why COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly than highly fatal diseases do. HIV, for example, ""was very fatal, but hard to transmit,"" he added."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768756,How is it transmitted?,"The first cases of COVID-19 were believed to be linked to a live-animal market in China, but the virus has since been spreading from person to person.

Person-to-person transmission is most likely between people in close contact, about 6 feet. When a person infected with novel coronavirus sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets could land on people nearby or could possibly be inhaled by those people.

While the virus can be transmitted by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with COVID-19, health experts don't currently believe that's primarily how it's transmitted.","While specific guidelines vary from city to city, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that Americans practice social distancing, and stay home, avoid mass gatherings and maintain 6 feet between themselves and others whenever possible. These efforts are intended to help ""flatten the curve,"" which means distributing the number of coronavirus cases over a longer period of time, to avoid overwhelming the health care system.

Americans should continue to uphold proper flu season hygiene. Wash your hands often, stay home if you're sick and cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hand.

If schools in your district have not yet closed, Dr. William Schaffner, medical director for the nonprofit National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, suggested sitting down and outlining a plan for how your family might handle schools and businesses closing. Does an older relative take prescription medication? Now might be a good time to stockpile at least two weeks' worth.

Call schools and ask if there are plans for remote schooling -- as some schools have done. Figure out a childcare plan in the event schools close, and ask about remote working options. Asking more questions now hopefully means asking fewer later."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768757,I live in the United States. What should I do?,"While specific guidelines vary from city to city, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that Americans practice social distancing, and stay home, avoid mass gatherings and maintain 6 feet between themselves and others whenever possible. These efforts are intended to help ""flatten the curve,"" which means distributing the number of coronavirus cases over a longer period of time, to avoid overwhelming the health care system.

Americans should continue to uphold proper flu season hygiene. Wash your hands often, stay home if you're sick and cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hand.

If schools in your district have not yet closed, Dr. William Schaffner, medical director for the nonprofit National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, suggested sitting down and outlining a plan for how your family might handle schools and businesses closing. Does an older relative take prescription medication? Now might be a good time to stockpile at least two weeks' worth.

Call schools and ask if there are plans for remote schooling -- as some schools have done. Figure out a childcare plan in the event schools close, and ask about remote working options. Asking more questions now hopefully means asking fewer later.","Yes, but don't forget about social distancing.

Regular exercise can help keep you physically and mentally healthy during the outbreak. You should feel free to talk a walk, go to the park and get outside, but maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and others during that time. Don't pack into a crowded park, beach or hiking trail. Instead, head to an area with fewer people or exercise at off-hours, when not as many people are out and about.

Since COVID-19 can live on hard surfaces, and most playgrounds aren't cleaned and disinfected regularly, you may want to reconsider bringing your child there, especially if you live in an area with ongoing coronavirus transmissions. If you do decide to go to the playground, make sure your child stays at least 6 feet away from other children."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768758,Should I wear a face mask?,"Not unless you are the one who is sick.

The CDC doesn’t currently recommend any healthy person wear a mask and doctors warn fiddling with putting on and taking off a mask could backfire by exposing your hands to your face.

""Surgical masks fit rather loosely around the face and are not constructed, nor thick enough, to prevent infection,"" Schaffner said.

While they could have a modest benefit, any protection they provide is likely more psychological than scientific. N-95 masks, which hospitals use, are expensive and aren't easy to wear, meaning they're not a practical option for everyday use. As health officials have noted, masks should be reserved for the health care workers, not the general public.

In recent weeks, N-95 masks have grown so scarce that the White House is asking Americans who have them, as well as construction companies, to donate them to hospitals, so that health care workers aren't forced to treat COVID-19 patients without a mask, which puts them at risk for contracting the virus themselves.

""The other thing a mask can do is give you a false sense of security, and that's not helpful,"" said Dr. Michael Merson, a visiting professor at NYU's School of Global Public Health and a professor at Duke University. Masks work better at preventing people who are coughing and sneezing from spreading respiratory droplets and infecting others, but ""those people who are sick should probably be at home anyway.""

","Novel coronavirus can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe, including cough, fever and shortness of breath. Since the symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia, influenza and the common cold, only a diagnostic test can confirm whether an individual has coronavirus."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768759,Should I be tested for the virus?,"It's not completely up to you.

The CDC recently rolled out new guidance, allowing anyone to be tested for COVID-19 without restrictions, as long as their doctor approves. Testing is on the rise in the U.S., but experts say it is not yet enough.

If you have traveled to an area with local transmission or have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed to the virus, and develop symptoms, such as cough or fever, your health care provider can work with the local health department to determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19.

If you have symptoms, but no travel history to an outbreak area, you could go to a clinic and have a rapid test done to rule out more common viruses, such as influenza, Merson advised.

If you have mild symptoms and are worried that you might have COVID-19, call your doctor or local health department instead of going to a clinic or doctor's office without an appointment, to ensure you aren't potentially exposing others to the virus. If you have severe breathing problems, seek medical attention or call 911 immediately, recommends Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News’ chief medical correspondent.

You should let the person you speak with know that you have respiratory problems and need to be isolated and seen right away.","We don't know.

Because COVID-19 is a new virus, we don't know whether pregnant women are more susceptible than the general population. Based on data from previous coronaviruses, like SARS and MERS, some experts believe that pregnant women may be at higher risk for severe illness and death, but that data is limited and far from conclusive.

For now, neither the CDC nor the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend any specific guidance for pregnant women beyond what they recommend to the general public."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768760,Should I cancel my upcoming trip to Europe or Asia?,"The decision may be out of your hands.

The U.S. State Department has a Level 4 global health advisory in place, which says that Americans should avoid all international travel because of COVID-19.

""In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period,"" the advisory reads.

The situation is fluid and rapidly evolving, so you should check the State Department's website often and use that information to inform your decisions.

Many countries experiencing outbreaks are implementing travel restrictions, mandatory quarantines and border closures with little advanced notice, and some Americans traveling in those countries have found themselves stranded, without a way to get home. 

If you are in a high-risk group, meaning you are an older person, or have an underlying medical condition, ""you should now be thinking about social distancing,"" Schaffner advised.

""Part of that is thinking really hard about whether you need to get on an airplane,"" he said. ""I think this is a good time to postpone those trips.""

Even if your trip is to a low-risk area, traveling on a plane will mean being in an enclosed space with fellow travelers. The CDC now recommends that all travelers, especially those with underlying health conditions, avoid cruise ships.","The COVID-19 test can be ordered by a specialist coronavirus clinic, your local GP or a hospital emergency department.

The Federal Government has announced plans to create up to 100 coronavirus pop-up clinics across the country.

But these testing facilities vary state by state, so it's best to first be in touch with the coronavirus health information hotline on 1800 020 080 for advice.

Testing methods may include a blood test, a swab test inside your nose or in the back of your throat, or a sputum test, which examines a mix of saliva and mucus.

Remember, you may still need a GP referral before attending new clinics, so be sure to check first."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768761,Do quarantines work?,"""The short answer is apparently, yes, and better than we thought,"" Schaffner said.

After China imposed strict quarantine and lockdown measures in hard-hit Hubei province, new cases of COVID-19 appeared to decline, Schaffner explained.

MORE: What life is like under novel coronavirus quarantine
It's too soon to know the full effect of that quarantine, which is essentially an unprecedented public health experiment. And imposing strict quarantine measures on an entire community may not be replicable outside of China.

Italy has locked down its entire population of 60 million, a dramatic move to try to tamp down on a rising number of cases and deaths.","We don't know.

Because COVID-19 is a new virus, we don't know whether pregnant women are more susceptible than the general population. Based on data from previous coronaviruses, like SARS and MERS, some experts believe that pregnant women may be at higher risk for severe illness and death, but that data is limited and far from conclusive.

For now, neither the CDC nor the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend any specific guidance for pregnant women beyond what they recommend to the general public."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768762,Is the outbreak a pandemic?,"Yes.

The World Health organization defines a pandemic as ""the worldwide spread of a new disease,"" and on March 11, the WHO's director general announced that COVID-19 met those criteria.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO's director general, stressed that the designation doesn't mean that citizens should stop trying to contain the virus.

""Find, isolate, test and treat every case, and trace every contact,"" he said. ""Ready your hospitals. Protect and train your health care workers.""

For the United States, community transmission in several cities and a growing number of cases that aren't able to be traced to travel or contact with individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 makes it probable that there will be extensive spread here.

""A lot of us have been sitting back and watching this from a distant place,"" Schaffner noted, adding that the game has changed in recent days. He cautioned against ""running around like a chicken with its head cut off,"" and recommended thinking ahead. A large increase in cases in your community could mean school closures or other changes to your routine.

""Be prudent and be prepared to participate as much as you can in social distancing when that becomes the order of the day,"" he said. If health authorities advise against mass gatherings, for example, don't make a fuss.

""It shouldn't panic you,"" Schaffner said. ""But it should get your attention.""","Not unless you are the one who is sick.

The CDC doesn’t currently recommend any healthy person wear a mask and doctors warn fiddling with putting on and taking off a mask could backfire by exposing your hands to your face.

""Surgical masks fit rather loosely around the face and are not constructed, nor thick enough, to prevent infection,"" Schaffner said.

While they could have a modest benefit, any protection they provide is likely more psychological than scientific. N-95 masks, which hospitals use, are expensive and aren't easy to wear, meaning they're not a practical option for everyday use. As health officials have noted, masks should be reserved for the health care workers, not the general public.

In recent weeks, N-95 masks have grown so scarce that the White House is asking Americans who have them, as well as construction companies, to donate them to hospitals, so that health care workers aren't forced to treat COVID-19 patients without a mask, which puts them at risk for contracting the virus themselves.

""The other thing a mask can do is give you a false sense of security, and that's not helpful,"" said Dr. Michael Merson, a visiting professor at NYU's School of Global Public Health and a professor at Duke University. Masks work better at preventing people who are coughing and sneezing from spreading respiratory droplets and infecting others, but ""those people who are sick should probably be at home anyway.""

"
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768763,How concerned should I be -- how does COVID-19 compare to the flu?,"Concerned.

Stay on top of CDC updates and guidance, as well as from state and local health departments. Take the time to sit down and plan for what you'll do if local transmission of the virus occurs in your city.

Even the experts aren't completely sure what's going to happen.

""It's hard,"" said Dr. Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa, who described receiving a text message from his son asking whether he should stock up on canned goods.

""I would be inclined not to,"" Perlman said. ""We know from other cases that it actually tends to make things worse, because people stock up and then we don't have anything.""

COVID-19 appears to be more fatal than the flu, with some studies pegging COVID-19's fatality rate at around 3.4%, while the flu's fatality rate is less than 1%. Still, experts anticipate that COVID-19's mortality rate will fall when more people with mild symptoms are diagnosed with the virus. Typically, the sickest people tend to seek health care treatment first. Compared to past coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, however, most COVID-19 cases are mild.

""For most people, it's going to mean no disease or a mild illness,"" Merson said. Unfortunately, that mildness could also explain why COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly than highly fatal diseases do. HIV, for example, ""was very fatal, but hard to transmit,"" he added.","""The short answer is apparently, yes, and better than we thought,"" Schaffner said.

After China imposed strict quarantine and lockdown measures in hard-hit Hubei province, new cases of COVID-19 appeared to decline, Schaffner explained.

MORE: What life is like under novel coronavirus quarantine
It's too soon to know the full effect of that quarantine, which is essentially an unprecedented public health experiment. And imposing strict quarantine measures on an entire community may not be replicable outside of China.

Italy has locked down its entire population of 60 million, a dramatic move to try to tamp down on a rising number of cases and deaths."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768765,Are pregnant women at higher risk?,"We don't know.

Because COVID-19 is a new virus, we don't know whether pregnant women are more susceptible than the general population. Based on data from previous coronaviruses, like SARS and MERS, some experts believe that pregnant women may be at higher risk for severe illness and death, but that data is limited and far from conclusive.

For now, neither the CDC nor the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend any specific guidance for pregnant women beyond what they recommend to the general public.","Yes, but don't forget about social distancing.

Regular exercise can help keep you physically and mentally healthy during the outbreak. You should feel free to talk a walk, go to the park and get outside, but maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and others during that time. Don't pack into a crowded park, beach or hiking trail. Instead, head to an area with fewer people or exercise at off-hours, when not as many people are out and about.

Since COVID-19 can live on hard surfaces, and most playgrounds aren't cleaned and disinfected regularly, you may want to reconsider bringing your child there, especially if you live in an area with ongoing coronavirus transmissions. If you do decide to go to the playground, make sure your child stays at least 6 feet away from other children."
ABC News,https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-symptoms-questions-covid-19-answered/story?id=69768767,Can I exercise outside? What about going to the park?,"Yes, but don't forget about social distancing.

Regular exercise can help keep you physically and mentally healthy during the outbreak. You should feel free to talk a walk, go to the park and get outside, but maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and others during that time. Don't pack into a crowded park, beach or hiking trail. Instead, head to an area with fewer people or exercise at off-hours, when not as many people are out and about.

Since COVID-19 can live on hard surfaces, and most playgrounds aren't cleaned and disinfected regularly, you may want to reconsider bringing your child there, especially if you live in an area with ongoing coronavirus transmissions. If you do decide to go to the playground, make sure your child stays at least 6 feet away from other children.","Concerned.

Stay on top of CDC updates and guidance, as well as from state and local health departments. Take the time to sit down and plan for what you'll do if local transmission of the virus occurs in your city.

Even the experts aren't completely sure what's going to happen.

""It's hard,"" said Dr. Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa, who described receiving a text message from his son asking whether he should stock up on canned goods.

""I would be inclined not to,"" Perlman said. ""We know from other cases that it actually tends to make things worse, because people stock up and then we don't have anything.""

COVID-19 appears to be more fatal than the flu, with some studies pegging COVID-19's fatality rate at around 3.4%, while the flu's fatality rate is less than 1%. Still, experts anticipate that COVID-19's mortality rate will fall when more people with mild symptoms are diagnosed with the virus. Typically, the sickest people tend to seek health care treatment first. Compared to past coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, however, most COVID-19 cases are mild.

""For most people, it's going to mean no disease or a mild illness,"" Merson said. Unfortunately, that mildness could also explain why COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly than highly fatal diseases do. HIV, for example, ""was very fatal, but hard to transmit,"" he added."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,Can I walk my dog under the category of daily exercise?,"Yes you can.

According to government advice for people with animals, if you have a dog that needs walking, you should count this as the one form of exercise you take every day.

It's important that you should remain 2m away from anyone outside your household while walking your dog.

There is no guidance from the government on whether your dog should be on a lead, but some parks, including The Royal Parks, insist on this as a rule, to help ensure people maintain social distance.

As well as your daily exercise, you may also leave the house to care for a vulnerable person, and this care may involve walking their dog.

When you do this, you should always remember to wash your hands before and after handling the dog, and remain 2m away from the owner.","It's hard to not be able to see our friends and family in person, especially on special occasions, so sending a gift shows we are thinking of them.
There is no evidence of Covid-19 being transmitted through food, and thorough cooking will kill the virus. The UK Food Standards Agency website has advice on food safety.
If you aren't displaying coronavirus symptoms, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you start baking.
If you are showing symptoms of the virus - or have been in contact with someone who has - then it's probably not a good idea to prepare food for somebody else.
That's because coronavirus spreads through small droplets - packed with the virus - expelled by a sufferer if they cough or sneeze. These can cause an infection if they are breathed in, or if someone touches a surface on which they have landed.
While the chance of contracting coronavirus through food delivery is low, it does exist.
The tin or box the cake is placed in probably presents a higher risk than the cake itself, so your friend should rinse the packaging when she receives the cake.
If you're dropping the cake off yourself, you should maintain social distancing by ensuring you stay 2m (6ft) apart from each other."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,"How long does the virus live on different surfaces? A friend gets my paper and shopping, and I have meals delivered - how do I unpack?","Covid-19 is primarily spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough. The most common way for the virus to be transmitted appears to be through close contact with an infected person.

However, evidence suggests the virus can live for an extended time outside of the body, including on surfaces. If you touch a contaminated surface and then your nose or mouth, there's a possibility you could become infected.

A study published last month suggests the virus survives longest on plastic and stainless steel surfaces - up to two to three days - and can live for up to 24 hours on cardboard. However, over that time the virus is likely to become less powerful.

Where possible, it is a good idea to either disinfect the packaging with kitchen spray or discard it before washing your hands with soap and water.

For items like a newspaper that can't be washed, the likelihood of transmission is low, but it still makes sense to practise regular hand washing.

Bearing in mind the virus's durability, it's also worth regularly disinfecting plastic and stainless steel surfaces such as door handles.","Coronavirus spreads from person to person by droplets from the nose or mouth from coughing or sneezing. People can also catch it by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or skin.
The WHO says ""other people then catch Covid-19 (coronavirus) by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth"".
This is why people are being encouraged to regularly wash their hands with soap and to not go too near to people who have it.
""It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food"", according to NHS advice."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,"Is it safe to buy fruit and veg, including salad food that is not in any packaging and if it is not, what should I do to make it safe?","The British Retail Consortium says retailers and their suppliers are continuing to work to the highest standards of hygiene when handling products, and are observing safety processes set by the Food Standards Agency and Public Health England.

However, it makes sense to wash unpackaged items such as fruit and vegetables thoroughly under running water, before leaving them to dry. You should also then wash your hands with soap and water.","At the moment, we don't know. It's a new virus, so experts are still trying to find out as much as they can about it.
Scientists are working on coming up with a vaccine for it though. Once they have created a vaccine they will be able to treat it effectively.
It is hoped there will be trials of a vaccine by the end of 2020."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,Is there a particular blood group more prone to Covid-19?,"There may be a chance some blood types have a higher risk of getting a serious dose of Covid-19 than others, a small early study suggests.

Researchers assessed 2,173 coronavirus hospital patients in Shenzhen and Wuhan in China, where the outbreak originated.

They found patients with A blood group types were more likely to have been hospitalised than average, while those with an O blood group type were less likely.

In the local population, 32% had a type A blood group, compared with 38% of those in hospital. Meanwhile, 34% of residents had type 0 blood, compared with 26% in hospital.

However, this study has not yet been peer reviewed and only covered a small area, so these links may be coincidental. Everyone should be doing all they can to avoid catching the virus and passing it on to others, regardless of their blood type.","Covid-19 is primarily spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough. The most common way for the virus to be transmitted appears to be through close contact with an infected person.

However, evidence suggests the virus can live for an extended time outside of the body, including on surfaces. If you touch a contaminated surface and then your nose or mouth, there's a possibility you could become infected.

A study published last month suggests the virus survives longest on plastic and stainless steel surfaces - up to two to three days - and can live for up to 24 hours on cardboard. However, over that time the virus is likely to become less powerful.

Where possible, it is a good idea to either disinfect the packaging with kitchen spray or discard it before washing your hands with soap and water.

For items like a newspaper that can't be washed, the likelihood of transmission is low, but it still makes sense to practise regular hand washing.

Bearing in mind the virus's durability, it's also worth regularly disinfecting plastic and stainless steel surfaces such as door handles."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,What is the current policy on birthing partners?,"Expectant mothers should be encouraged to have a birth partner with them during labour and birth, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says, unless the partner is showing symptoms of coronavirus.

As local trusts may place restrictions on visitors, partners may not be able to go to antenatal appointments, or stay with women on antenatal or postnatal wards. But this doesn't mean they cannot attend the birth, as long as they feel well.

Some NHS trusts will allow only one birth partner to be in attendance, where previously they had allowed two. There were reports that others had banned partners' attendance altogether, before doing a U-turn on official advice.

Understandably, some pregnant women feel nervous about going into a hospital in case it increases their risk of catching the coronavirus.

Maternity units are carrying out some consultations over the phone or via video link, but some in-person visits with the midwife are essential for the wellbeing of the mother and baby, the Royal College of Midwives says.

It adds that home births may no longer be available in some local areas, mainly due to staff and ambulance shortages, but maternity wards are being kept as separate from Covid-19 treatment areas as possible.","The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough.
In the UK, people are being advised to stay at home for seven days if they have either a high temperature (they feel hot to touch on their chest or back) or a new, continuous cough - or 14 days if they live with other people.
""Everyone who gets symptoms gets a fever,"" says Operation Ouch's Dr Xand.
He added: ""Most of the people who get a fever get tired. A lot of the people who get tired get achy muscles and a lot of those people get a cough. One of the things that doesn't seem to be very common is sneezing.""
The WHO says the illness it causes is ""generally mild, especially for children and young adults"", but around one in five people who get the virus become seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing.
Dr Chris added: ""If you have difficulty breathing, go to hospital."""
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,We're about to exchange on a house but have been advised by the solicitor not to. When will restrictions on house purchases be lifted?,"There are currently no formal restrictions on moving house, although the government has strongly advised against it where possible. It says that while there is no need to pull out of transactions, buyers and renters should delay moving so they can observe social distancing and self-isolating guidelines.

If the house you are moving into is empty, it's fine to carry on as long as these rules are observed during the removals process. If the property is occupied, the government is encouraging the buyer and seller to find an alternative moving date further down the line.

Mortgage lenders have also been tightening their restrictions, with some requiring a deposit of at least 25%. But this doesn't affect mortgages which have already been agreed. Many lenders are offering customers who have already exchanged the option to extend their mortgage offer for up to three months so that they can move at a later date.

This timeframe may give you some idea of how long all of this could go on for, although nobody knows for sure.

The house buying process differs between Scotland and England and Wales, but the advice on delaying a move is the same.","The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough.
In the UK, people are being advised to stay at home for seven days if they have either a high temperature (they feel hot to touch on their chest or back) or a new, continuous cough - or 14 days if they live with other people.
""Everyone who gets symptoms gets a fever,"" says Operation Ouch's Dr Xand.
He added: ""Most of the people who get a fever get tired. A lot of the people who get tired get achy muscles and a lot of those people get a cough. One of the things that doesn't seem to be very common is sneezing.""
The WHO says the illness it causes is ""generally mild, especially for children and young adults"", but around one in five people who get the virus become seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing.
Dr Chris added: ""If you have difficulty breathing, go to hospital."""
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,Is it safe to bake a friend cake for her birthday send it to her? - Samantha,"It's hard to not be able to see our friends and family in person, especially on special occasions, so sending a gift shows we are thinking of them.
There is no evidence of Covid-19 being transmitted through food, and thorough cooking will kill the virus. The UK Food Standards Agency website has advice on food safety.
If you aren't displaying coronavirus symptoms, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you start baking.
If you are showing symptoms of the virus - or have been in contact with someone who has - then it's probably not a good idea to prepare food for somebody else.
That's because coronavirus spreads through small droplets - packed with the virus - expelled by a sufferer if they cough or sneeze. These can cause an infection if they are breathed in, or if someone touches a surface on which they have landed.
While the chance of contracting coronavirus through food delivery is low, it does exist.
The tin or box the cake is placed in probably presents a higher risk than the cake itself, so your friend should rinse the packaging when she receives the cake.
If you're dropping the cake off yourself, you should maintain social distancing by ensuring you stay 2m (6ft) apart from each other.","If you live with your partner, they count as being part of your household. If neither of you is showing coronavirus symptoms and you are already in close contact, having sex won't increase the likelihood of you catching the virus from one another. If one person does have symptoms, they should be self-isolating in a separate room.
Using contraception such as condoms won't alter your risk of catching the virus, as having sex will bring you into close physical contact anyway.
""If you are going to touch each other's genitals it's likely that you will potentially be kissing at the same time - and we know the virus is passed through saliva,"" Dr Alex George told the BBC's Newsbeat.
""Essentially, any possibility of transfer of coronavirus - from your mouth to your hands, to genitals, to someone else's nose or mouth - increases the risk of passing on coronavirus."""
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,Can you catch coronavirus from your dog or cat? - Javed,"This is highly unlikely to happen, according to scientists and vets.
There have been no cases of pets passing the coronavirus to humans, and the same was true during the Sars outbreak in 2003, when there was not a single case of pet-to-human transmission.
Sars is a very closely-related virus to the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
It is possible that a pet's fur could become contaminated if an infected person has previously touched or stroked the animal.
As always, you should wash your hands with soap and water after handling an animal or its lead, and avoid touching your nose and mouth.
The novel coronavirus is thought to have originated in wildlife and passed to humans via a live animal market, but it is likely the first people infected actually ate infected meat. Since then it has been spread from person to person.
However, a Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo recently tested positive for the virus. She was thought to have been infected by an asymptomatic zookeeper, so there is evidence of human-to-animal transmission.","There may be a chance some blood types have a higher risk of getting a serious dose of Covid-19 than others, a small early study suggests.

Researchers assessed 2,173 coronavirus hospital patients in Shenzhen and Wuhan in China, where the outbreak originated.

They found patients with A blood group types were more likely to have been hospitalised than average, while those with an O blood group type were less likely.

In the local population, 32% had a type A blood group, compared with 38% of those in hospital. Meanwhile, 34% of residents had type 0 blood, compared with 26% in hospital.

However, this study has not yet been peer reviewed and only covered a small area, so these links may be coincidental. Everyone should be doing all they can to avoid catching the virus and passing it on to others, regardless of their blood type."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,How do you practise safe sex during a pandemic?,"If you live with your partner, they count as being part of your household. If neither of you is showing coronavirus symptoms and you are already in close contact, having sex won't increase the likelihood of you catching the virus from one another. If one person does have symptoms, they should be self-isolating in a separate room.
Using contraception such as condoms won't alter your risk of catching the virus, as having sex will bring you into close physical contact anyway.
""If you are going to touch each other's genitals it's likely that you will potentially be kissing at the same time - and we know the virus is passed through saliva,"" Dr Alex George told the BBC's Newsbeat.
""Essentially, any possibility of transfer of coronavirus - from your mouth to your hands, to genitals, to someone else's nose or mouth - increases the risk of passing on coronavirus.""","There are currently no formal restrictions on moving house, although the government has strongly advised against it where possible. It says that while there is no need to pull out of transactions, buyers and renters should delay moving so they can observe social distancing and self-isolating guidelines.

If the house you are moving into is empty, it's fine to carry on as long as these rules are observed during the removals process. If the property is occupied, the government is encouraging the buyer and seller to find an alternative moving date further down the line.

Mortgage lenders have also been tightening their restrictions, with some requiring a deposit of at least 25%. But this doesn't affect mortgages which have already been agreed. Many lenders are offering customers who have already exchanged the option to extend their mortgage offer for up to three months so that they can move at a later date.

This timeframe may give you some idea of how long all of this could go on for, although nobody knows for sure.

The house buying process differs between Scotland and England and Wales, but the advice on delaying a move is the same."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,Are casual hook-ups dangerous? - May,"Engaging in casual hook-ups is a bad idea at the moment. It's against government guidelines to leave your home for a non-essential reason, to make unnecessary journeys or to meet up with someone who is not living with you. Having close physical contact with someone not in your household could spread coronavirus, as there is no way for you to tell whether you or the other person may be carrying it.","Yes you can.

According to government advice for people with animals, if you have a dog that needs walking, you should count this as the one form of exercise you take every day.

It's important that you should remain 2m away from anyone outside your household while walking your dog.

There is no guidance from the government on whether your dog should be on a lead, but some parks, including The Royal Parks, insist on this as a rule, to help ensure people maintain social distance.

As well as your daily exercise, you may also leave the house to care for a vulnerable person, and this care may involve walking their dog.

When you do this, you should always remember to wash your hands before and after handling the dog, and remain 2m away from the owner."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,Is it safe to try for a baby in this coronavirus situation? - Sam,"We still don't know fully how Covid-19 affects pregnant women, but they have been placed into the ""high risk"" category meaning they should minimise all social contact.
We also don't know how long the pandemic will last, and going into hospital for essential scans and check-ups is likely to increase your risk of contracting the virus.
You could also find that birthing options are reduced and resources more stretched than usual. However, if you are already pregnant, the important thing is not to panic and to still attend essential hospital appointments.","Because coronavirus attacks the respiratory system, anyone with existing breathing problems is at higher risk. Those with severe asthma have been placed in the ""extremely vulnerable"" group, meaning they are advised to stay at home for at least 12 weeks and should have been contacted by the government.
Those with mild asthma should still practise social distancing and only go out for essentials. If you start displaying coronavirus symptoms that do not improve after seven days, or you have difficulty breathing, make sure you call 111 or 999 and explain that you have asthma.
When people with asthma get respiratory infections, it can set off their asthma symptoms. Asthma UK recommends you keep taking your preventer inhaler daily as prescribed, to help cut the risk of an asthma attack being triggered by coronavirus. You should also carry your reliever inhaler with you every day, in case you feel your asthma symptoms flaring up."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,How risky is coronavirus for teens with asthma? - Teresa,"Because coronavirus attacks the respiratory system, anyone with existing breathing problems is at higher risk. Those with severe asthma have been placed in the ""extremely vulnerable"" group, meaning they are advised to stay at home for at least 12 weeks and should have been contacted by the government.
Those with mild asthma should still practise social distancing and only go out for essentials. If you start displaying coronavirus symptoms that do not improve after seven days, or you have difficulty breathing, make sure you call 111 or 999 and explain that you have asthma.
When people with asthma get respiratory infections, it can set off their asthma symptoms. Asthma UK recommends you keep taking your preventer inhaler daily as prescribed, to help cut the risk of an asthma attack being triggered by coronavirus. You should also carry your reliever inhaler with you every day, in case you feel your asthma symptoms flaring up.","It's hard to not be able to see our friends and family in person, especially on special occasions, so sending a gift shows we are thinking of them.
There is no evidence of Covid-19 being transmitted through food, and thorough cooking will kill the virus. The UK Food Standards Agency website has advice on food safety.
If you aren't displaying coronavirus symptoms, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you start baking.
If you are showing symptoms of the virus - or have been in contact with someone who has - then it's probably not a good idea to prepare food for somebody else.
That's because coronavirus spreads through small droplets - packed with the virus - expelled by a sufferer if they cough or sneeze. These can cause an infection if they are breathed in, or if someone touches a surface on which they have landed.
While the chance of contracting coronavirus through food delivery is low, it does exist.
The tin or box the cake is placed in probably presents a higher risk than the cake itself, so your friend should rinse the packaging when she receives the cake.
If you're dropping the cake off yourself, you should maintain social distancing by ensuring you stay 2m (6ft) apart from each other."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,Are young people who smoke weed or tobacco at more risk? - Eric,"Smokers are more likely to have certain serious complications from coronavirus than other people, Public Health England says.
It points to early studies in China that indicate smokers with Covid-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe respiratory disease.
Smoking tobacco or illegal drugs damages the lungs and airways, causing a range of respiratory problems. The coronavirus attacks the respiratory system, placing smokers at greater risk.
There is also evidence it suppresses and harms the immune system, with smokers twice as likely to catch pneumonia as non-smokers.
Smokers are also likely to regularly touch their mouth, increasing their risk of infection.
Sharing cigarettes or spliffs with others also makes you susceptible to catching coronavirus, which can be transmitted through saliva and via surfaces.","There are currently no formal restrictions on moving house, although the government has strongly advised against it where possible. It says that while there is no need to pull out of transactions, buyers and renters should delay moving so they can observe social distancing and self-isolating guidelines.

If the house you are moving into is empty, it's fine to carry on as long as these rules are observed during the removals process. If the property is occupied, the government is encouraging the buyer and seller to find an alternative moving date further down the line.

Mortgage lenders have also been tightening their restrictions, with some requiring a deposit of at least 25%. But this doesn't affect mortgages which have already been agreed. Many lenders are offering customers who have already exchanged the option to extend their mortgage offer for up to three months so that they can move at a later date.

This timeframe may give you some idea of how long all of this could go on for, although nobody knows for sure.

The house buying process differs between Scotland and England and Wales, but the advice on delaying a move is the same."
BBC,https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51877454,How did coronavirus start?,"It is thought the disease originated at an animal market in the city of Wuhan in China, where it was transferred to a person.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says: ""Covid-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.""
Dr Chris from Operation Ouch said: ""As a species, human beings destroy ecosystems and we often farm animals in quite cruel, crowded conditions. And those two things expose us to really dangerous viruses from animals.
""So, as a species, we all need to accept some responsibility and wake up to the fact we need to treat our planet better but, there is no one person or culture that we need to blame here.""","There are currently no formal restrictions on moving house, although the government has strongly advised against it where possible. It says that while there is no need to pull out of transactions, buyers and renters should delay moving so they can observe social distancing and self-isolating guidelines.

If the house you are moving into is empty, it's fine to carry on as long as these rules are observed during the removals process. If the property is occupied, the government is encouraging the buyer and seller to find an alternative moving date further down the line.

Mortgage lenders have also been tightening their restrictions, with some requiring a deposit of at least 25%. But this doesn't affect mortgages which have already been agreed. Many lenders are offering customers who have already exchanged the option to extend their mortgage offer for up to three months so that they can move at a later date.

This timeframe may give you some idea of how long all of this could go on for, although nobody knows for sure.

The house buying process differs between Scotland and England and Wales, but the advice on delaying a move is the same."
BBC,https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51877454,What are the symptoms of coronavirus?,"The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough.
In the UK, people are being advised to stay at home for seven days if they have either a high temperature (they feel hot to touch on their chest or back) or a new, continuous cough - or 14 days if they live with other people.
""Everyone who gets symptoms gets a fever,"" says Operation Ouch's Dr Xand.
He added: ""Most of the people who get a fever get tired. A lot of the people who get tired get achy muscles and a lot of those people get a cough. One of the things that doesn't seem to be very common is sneezing.""
The WHO says the illness it causes is ""generally mild, especially for children and young adults"", but around one in five people who get the virus become seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing.
Dr Chris added: ""If you have difficulty breathing, go to hospital.""","The British Retail Consortium says retailers and their suppliers are continuing to work to the highest standards of hygiene when handling products, and are observing safety processes set by the Food Standards Agency and Public Health England.

However, it makes sense to wash unpackaged items such as fruit and vegetables thoroughly under running water, before leaving them to dry. You should also then wash your hands with soap and water."
BBC,https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51877454,How does the virus spread?,"Coronavirus spreads from person to person by droplets from the nose or mouth from coughing or sneezing. People can also catch it by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or skin.
The WHO says ""other people then catch Covid-19 (coronavirus) by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth"".
This is why people are being encouraged to regularly wash their hands with soap and to not go too near to people who have it.
""It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food"", according to NHS advice.","There are currently no formal restrictions on moving house, although the government has strongly advised against it where possible. It says that while there is no need to pull out of transactions, buyers and renters should delay moving so they can observe social distancing and self-isolating guidelines.

If the house you are moving into is empty, it's fine to carry on as long as these rules are observed during the removals process. If the property is occupied, the government is encouraging the buyer and seller to find an alternative moving date further down the line.

Mortgage lenders have also been tightening their restrictions, with some requiring a deposit of at least 25%. But this doesn't affect mortgages which have already been agreed. Many lenders are offering customers who have already exchanged the option to extend their mortgage offer for up to three months so that they can move at a later date.

This timeframe may give you some idea of how long all of this could go on for, although nobody knows for sure.

The house buying process differs between Scotland and England and Wales, but the advice on delaying a move is the same."
BBC,https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51877454,How long does coronavirus last?,"If you get coronavirus it takes five days on average to start showing the symptoms, scientists have said, but some people will get symptoms much later than this.
""So we don't know that information for everyone, but it seems to be like a few weeks on average, something like that,"" Dr Xand said.
""People can be very ill for a few weeks and then they gradually get better,"" he added.
The UK government has said it wants everybody to stop going outside if they can to stop the virus spreading.
But it especially wants people to self-isolate if they have symptoms.
As virus expert, Dr Jake Dunning, explained, it basically means staying at home so the virus can't spread to other people.
It also means other people can't come round to visit you while you're self-isolating.
According to medical experts, 99% of people will make a full recovery, as their immune system eventually defeats the virus.","Yes you can.

According to government advice for people with animals, if you have a dog that needs walking, you should count this as the one form of exercise you take every day.

It's important that you should remain 2m away from anyone outside your household while walking your dog.

There is no guidance from the government on whether your dog should be on a lead, but some parks, including The Royal Parks, insist on this as a rule, to help ensure people maintain social distance.

As well as your daily exercise, you may also leave the house to care for a vulnerable person, and this care may involve walking their dog.

When you do this, you should always remember to wash your hands before and after handling the dog, and remain 2m away from the owner."
BBC,https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51877454,How can we limit the spread of the coronavirus?,"There are lots of things that everyone can do to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.
NHS advice says:
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not your hands!)
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
As Dr Xand explained, people should stay at home if they're feeling poorly, especially if they have a temperature, a cough, or are feeling achy.
The WHO says keeping at least two metres apart from someone who might be coughing or sneezing will help stop the coronavirus spreading.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should stay at home to help stop the spread of the virus. He has closed all sorts of places where people gather, such as shops, libraries, cinemas and places of worship, to persuade them to do this.","If you get coronavirus it takes five days on average to start showing the symptoms, scientists have said, but some people will get symptoms much later than this.
""So we don't know that information for everyone, but it seems to be like a few weeks on average, something like that,"" Dr Xand said.
""People can be very ill for a few weeks and then they gradually get better,"" he added.
The UK government has said it wants everybody to stop going outside if they can to stop the virus spreading.
But it especially wants people to self-isolate if they have symptoms.
As virus expert, Dr Jake Dunning, explained, it basically means staying at home so the virus can't spread to other people.
It also means other people can't come round to visit you while you're self-isolating.
According to medical experts, 99% of people will make a full recovery, as their immune system eventually defeats the virus."
BBC,https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51877454,When will coronavirus end?,"At the moment, we don't know. It's a new virus, so experts are still trying to find out as much as they can about it.
Scientists are working on coming up with a vaccine for it though. Once they have created a vaccine they will be able to treat it effectively.
It is hoped there will be trials of a vaccine by the end of 2020.","Yes you can.

According to government advice for people with animals, if you have a dog that needs walking, you should count this as the one form of exercise you take every day.

It's important that you should remain 2m away from anyone outside your household while walking your dog.

There is no guidance from the government on whether your dog should be on a lead, but some parks, including The Royal Parks, insist on this as a rule, to help ensure people maintain social distance.

As well as your daily exercise, you may also leave the house to care for a vulnerable person, and this care may involve walking their dog.

When you do this, you should always remember to wash your hands before and after handling the dog, and remain 2m away from the owner."
BBC,https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51877454,Do hand gels work?,"Sometimes you might not be able to wash your hands with soap and water when you want to, for example while out and about, or while using public transport.
Professor Devi Sridhar told Newsround: ""Hand gels are a fantastic way to clean your hands but they're not as good as soap and water.""
NHS advice says people should use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.","There are lots of things that everyone can do to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.
NHS advice says:
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not your hands!)
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
As Dr Xand explained, people should stay at home if they're feeling poorly, especially if they have a temperature, a cough, or are feeling achy.
The WHO says keeping at least two metres apart from someone who might be coughing or sneezing will help stop the coronavirus spreading.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should stay at home to help stop the spread of the virus. He has closed all sorts of places where people gather, such as shops, libraries, cinemas and places of worship, to persuade them to do this."
BBC,https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51877454,Can pets get coronavirus?,"There is some evidence that pets can be infected with the coronavirus - but it is thought they cannot infect people with it.
However, it's still important to protect yourself from bacteria that can pass between pets and humans - that means washing hands.
British Veterinary Association president Daniella Dos Santoshas suggested another reason why people should practise good hand hygiene if they have animals.
She explained: ""An animal's fur could carry the virus for a time if a pet were to have come into contact with someone who was sick.""
Doctor James is a vet on CBBC show The Pets Factor, and he's been answering questions about whether animals can catch the virus, or even if they should wear face masks for protection.","Covid-19 is primarily spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough. The most common way for the virus to be transmitted appears to be through close contact with an infected person.

However, evidence suggests the virus can live for an extended time outside of the body, including on surfaces. If you touch a contaminated surface and then your nose or mouth, there's a possibility you could become infected.

A study published last month suggests the virus survives longest on plastic and stainless steel surfaces - up to two to three days - and can live for up to 24 hours on cardboard. However, over that time the virus is likely to become less powerful.

Where possible, it is a good idea to either disinfect the packaging with kitchen spray or discard it before washing your hands with soap and water.

For items like a newspaper that can't be washed, the likelihood of transmission is low, but it still makes sense to practise regular hand washing.

Bearing in mind the virus's durability, it's also worth regularly disinfecting plastic and stainless steel surfaces such as door handles."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176409,Can I walk my dog under the category of daily exercise?,"Yes you can.

According to government advice for people with animals, if you have a dog that needs walking, you should count this as the one form of exercise you take every day.

It's important that you should remain 2m away from anyone outside your household while walking your dog.

There is no guidance from the government on whether your dog should be on a lead, but some parks, including The Royal Parks, insist on this as a rule, to help ensure people maintain social distance.

As well as your daily exercise, you may also leave the house to care for a vulnerable person, and this care may involve walking their dog.

When you do this, you should always remember to wash your hands before and after handling the dog, and remain 2m away from the owner.","There are currently no formal restrictions on moving house, although the government has strongly advised against it where possible. It says that while there is no need to pull out of transactions, buyers and renters should delay moving so they can observe social distancing and self-isolating guidelines.

If the house you are moving into is empty, it's fine to carry on as long as these rules are observed during the removals process. If the property is occupied, the government is encouraging the buyer and seller to find an alternative moving date further down the line.

Mortgage lenders have also been tightening their restrictions, with some requiring a deposit of at least 25%. But this doesn't affect mortgages which have already been agreed. Many lenders are offering customers who have already exchanged the option to extend their mortgage offer for up to three months so that they can move at a later date.

This timeframe may give you some idea of how long all of this could go on for, although nobody knows for sure.

The house buying process differs between Scotland and England and Wales, but the advice on delaying a move is the same."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176410,"How long does the virus live on different surfaces? A friend gets my paper and shopping, and I have meals delivered - how do I unpack?","Covid-19 is primarily spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough. The most common way for the virus to be transmitted appears to be through close contact with an infected person.

However, evidence suggests the virus can live for an extended time outside of the body, including on surfaces. If you touch a contaminated surface and then your nose or mouth, there's a possibility you could become infected.

A study published last month suggests the virus survives longest on plastic and stainless steel surfaces - up to two to three days - and can live for up to 24 hours on cardboard. However, over that time the virus is likely to become less powerful.

Where possible, it is a good idea to either disinfect the packaging with kitchen spray or discard it before washing your hands with soap and water.

For items like a newspaper that can't be washed, the likelihood of transmission is low, but it still makes sense to practise regular hand washing.

Bearing in mind the virus's durability, it's also worth regularly disinfecting plastic and stainless steel surfaces such as door handles.","Covid-19 is primarily spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough. The most common way for the virus to be transmitted appears to be through close contact with an infected person.

However, evidence suggests the virus can live for an extended time outside of the body, including on surfaces. If you touch a contaminated surface and then your nose or mouth, there's a possibility you could become infected.

A study published last month suggests the virus survives longest on plastic and stainless steel surfaces - up to two to three days - and can live for up to 24 hours on cardboard. However, over that time the virus is likely to become less powerful.

Where possible, it is a good idea to either disinfect the packaging with kitchen spray or discard it before washing your hands with soap and water.

For items like a newspaper that can't be washed, the likelihood of transmission is low, but it still makes sense to practise regular hand washing.

Bearing in mind the virus's durability, it's also worth regularly disinfecting plastic and stainless steel surfaces such as door handles."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176411,"Is it safe to buy fruit and veg, including salad food that is not in any packaging and if it is not, what should I do to make it safe?","The British Retail Consortium says retailers and their suppliers are continuing to work to the highest standards of hygiene when handling products, and are observing safety processes set by the Food Standards Agency and Public Health England.

However, it makes sense to wash unpackaged items such as fruit and vegetables thoroughly under running water, before leaving them to dry. You should also then wash your hands with soap and water.","Covid-19 is primarily spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough. The most common way for the virus to be transmitted appears to be through close contact with an infected person.

However, evidence suggests the virus can live for an extended time outside of the body, including on surfaces. If you touch a contaminated surface and then your nose or mouth, there's a possibility you could become infected.

A study published last month suggests the virus survives longest on plastic and stainless steel surfaces - up to two to three days - and can live for up to 24 hours on cardboard. However, over that time the virus is likely to become less powerful.

Where possible, it is a good idea to either disinfect the packaging with kitchen spray or discard it before washing your hands with soap and water.

For items like a newspaper that can't be washed, the likelihood of transmission is low, but it still makes sense to practise regular hand washing.

Bearing in mind the virus's durability, it's also worth regularly disinfecting plastic and stainless steel surfaces such as door handles."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176413,What is the current policy on birthing partners?,"Expectant mothers should be encouraged to have a birth partner with them during labour and birth, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says, unless the partner is showing symptoms of coronavirus.

As local trusts may place restrictions on visitors, partners may not be able to go to antenatal appointments, or stay with women on antenatal or postnatal wards. But this doesn't mean they cannot attend the birth, as long as they feel well.

Some NHS trusts will allow only one birth partner to be in attendance, where previously they had allowed two. There were reports that others had banned partners' attendance altogether, before doing a U-turn on official advice.

Understandably, some pregnant women feel nervous about going into a hospital in case it increases their risk of catching the coronavirus.

Maternity units are carrying out some consultations over the phone or via video link, but some in-person visits with the midwife are essential for the wellbeing of the mother and baby, the Royal College of Midwives says.

It adds that home births may no longer be available in some local areas, mainly due to staff and ambulance shortages, but maternity wards are being kept as separate from Covid-19 treatment areas as possible.","This is highly unlikely to happen, according to scientists and vets.
There have been no cases of pets passing the coronavirus to humans, and the same was true during the Sars outbreak in 2003, when there was not a single case of pet-to-human transmission.
Sars is a very closely-related virus to the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
It is possible that a pet's fur could become contaminated if an infected person has previously touched or stroked the animal.
As always, you should wash your hands with soap and water after handling an animal or its lead, and avoid touching your nose and mouth.
The novel coronavirus is thought to have originated in wildlife and passed to humans via a live animal market, but it is likely the first people infected actually ate infected meat. Since then it has been spread from person to person.
However, a Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo recently tested positive for the virus. She was thought to have been infected by an asymptomatic zookeeper, so there is evidence of human-to-animal transmission."
BBC,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51176414,We're about to exchange on a house but have been advised by the solicitor not to. When will restrictions on house purchases be lifted?,"There are currently no formal restrictions on moving house, although the government has strongly advised against it where possible. It says that while there is no need to pull out of transactions, buyers and renters should delay moving so they can observe social distancing and self-isolating guidelines.

If the house you are moving into is empty, it's fine to carry on as long as these rules are observed during the removals process. If the property is occupied, the government is encouraging the buyer and seller to find an alternative moving date further down the line.

Mortgage lenders have also been tightening their restrictions, with some requiring a deposit of at least 25%. But this doesn't affect mortgages which have already been agreed. Many lenders are offering customers who have already exchanged the option to extend their mortgage offer for up to three months so that they can move at a later date.

This timeframe may give you some idea of how long all of this could go on for, although nobody knows for sure.

The house buying process differs between Scotland and England and Wales, but the advice on delaying a move is the same.","We still don't know fully how Covid-19 affects pregnant women, but they have been placed into the ""high risk"" category meaning they should minimise all social contact.
We also don't know how long the pandemic will last, and going into hospital for essential scans and check-ups is likely to increase your risk of contracting the virus.
You could also find that birthing options are reduced and resources more stretched than usual. However, if you are already pregnant, the important thing is not to panic and to still attend essential hospital appointments."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-stimulus-questions/index.html,How and when do I get my check?,,
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-stimulus-questions/index.html,Is there help for small businesses in the Senate stimulus package?,"There's a lot of focus on the individual checks, but I'm firmly of the mind the small business loan piece of this is far and away the most important given what's happening right now.

The bill directs $350 billion for loans to small businesses and nonprofits with under 500 employees. The loans would be guaranteed by the Small Business Administration but the actual lender would be approved banks and financial institutions, which should get the money out the door faster. Businesses could receive up to $10 million in loans to float employee salaries, payroll expenses, mortgage and other debt payments. If used for those purposes, the loans would be forgiven in the future. It's a huge deal if it works properly.

There are several other small business related provisions in here that may be useful and/or valuable to those who are eligible. Be sure to check them out to see if you may qualify -- a key component of this package is expanding eligibility for government programs (see: the unemployment insurance expansion/enhancement).","“It takes anything up to six weeks to recover from this disease,” said Dr. Michael Ryan of the World Health Organization. 
 “People who suffer very severe illness can take months to recover from the illness.”
 Recovery is often marked by a patient no longer showing symptoms and having two consecutive negative tests at least one day apart, Ryan said. But there is no known cure for the novel coronavirus."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-stimulus-questions/index.html,"Is the check based on my 2018 or 2019 tax return?
","Under the plan, individuals who earn $75,000 in adjusted gross income or less would get direct payments of $1,200 each. But which tax return is that based on?
If you've filed for 2019, that's what it would based off of. If you haven't, it would be based off of 2018.","It’s too early to know for sure. But other coronaviruses, like ones that cause the common cold, might give us clues. 
 With “common cold coronaviruses, you don’t actually have immunity that lasts for very long, and so we don’t know the answer with this specific coronavirus,” said Dr. Celine Gounder, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the New York University School of Medicine.
 “That’s actually going to be one of the challenges with designing a vaccine is how do you actually cause the immunity to last long enough to protect you.”"
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-stimulus-questions/index.html,Does the bill include anything about student loans?,"Federal student loan borrowers would get a reprieve from payments until October and any interest that would have accrued during that period would be waived.
The agreement also allows students to keep any unspent money from Pell Grants or student loans and prevents students who have to leave school due to the pandemic from losing eligibility for future Pell Grants.
I should also note the bill explicitly allows colleges and universities to pay students for work-study programs even if they are unable to work.","No. There are some interesting coincidences in the 1981 fiction novel, which says “a severe pneumonia-like illness will spread around the globe” around the year 2020. Modern editions of the book call the biological strain “Wuhan-400,” and the current coronavirus outbreak started in Wuhan, China.
 But there are important differences between the book and reality. The original version of the book called the strain the “Gorki-400,” in reference to a Russian locality, before it was later changed to the “Wuhan-400.” In the book, the virus was man-made, while scientists believe the novel coronavirus started in animals and jumped to humans. And in the book, the virus had a 100% mortality rate. Early estimates of the mortality rate for this coronavirus outbreak range from 2-4%."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-stimulus-questions/index.html,Will full-time college students qualify for stimulus checks?,"Depends -- and I'm not trying to dodge here, but everyone's circumstances are different, so I don't want to generalize. Say an individual is claimed as dependent by their parents, then that's an automatic no. Say you live on your own, are not claimed as a dependent and had a summer job, then yes.","If you rely on public transportation, use caution. If you’re sick or live in an area where an outbreak has been reported, avoid it. 
 Mass transit could increase your risk of exposure to coronavirus. Luckily, transit systems are upping their cleaning regimens — notably the New York subway system. 
 Dr. Robyn Gershon, a professor of epidemiology at New York University’s School of Public Health, has some tips: When you ride a bus or subway, sneeze or cough into your elbow. Use a tissue to hold onto a pole. Avoid touching your face while you’re riding, and use hand sanitizer if you have it while you’re commuting. 
 Again, wash your hands before, during and after your trip. 
 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recommends letting crowded trains or buses pass and waiting for a less crowded one. It’s nearly impossible to maintain 6 feet of distance on a packed subway car. 
 If you have a chronic illness, find alternative means of transportation — being in a crowded subway car or bus will significantly increase your risk of infection."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-stimulus-questions/index.html,"Will retired seniors also get stimulus checks?
","So long as they are not listed as a dependent for someone else (and, as retirees, fall within the income thresholds), yes, they should receive a check.","Experts say it’s due to cuts in federal funding for public health and problems with early testing. 
 Problems with public health infrastructure Two years ago, the CDC stopped funding epidemic prevention activities in 39 countries, including China. This happened because the Trump administration refused to allocate money to a program that started during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. 
 Former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden warned that move “would significantly increase the chance an epidemic will spread without our knowledge and endanger lives in our country and around the world.”
 Problems with the testing Malfunctions, shortages and delays in availability have all contributed to the slowdown. 
 In the first few weeks of the outbreak in the US, the CDC was the only facility in the country that could confirm test results — even though a World Health Organization test became available around the same time. 
 Some test kits that were sent around the country were flawed — a move that put the US behind about “four to five weeks,” says Dr. Rob Davidson, executive director of the Committee to Protect Medicare."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Did Dean Koontz predict this outbreak in the book “The Eyes of Darkness” almost 40 years ago?,"No. There are some interesting coincidences in the 1981 fiction novel, which says “a severe pneumonia-like illness will spread around the globe” around the year 2020. Modern editions of the book call the biological strain “Wuhan-400,” and the current coronavirus outbreak started in Wuhan, China.
 But there are important differences between the book and reality. The original version of the book called the strain the “Gorki-400,” in reference to a Russian locality, before it was later changed to the “Wuhan-400.” In the book, the virus was man-made, while scientists believe the novel coronavirus started in animals and jumped to humans. And in the book, the virus had a 100% mortality rate. Early estimates of the mortality rate for this coronavirus outbreak range from 2-4%.","There’s no evidence from the outbreak that eating garlic, sipping water every 15 minutes or taking vitamin C will protect people from the new coronavirus. Same goes for using essential oils, colloidal silver and steroids."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Should all Americans be under stay-at-home orders?,"“We really should be,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. 
 “If you look at what’s going on across the country, I just don’t understand why we’re not doing that.”
 President Donald Trump has declined to give a nationwide stay-at-home order.
 More than 40 states have stay-at-home orders, which generally allow exceptions for grocery shopping, helping a sick loved one or getting outdoor exercise away from other people.
 But states with fewer cases of coronavirus also need to be on high alert, Fauci said. 
 “If you just look at those (places) and say, ‘There are very little infections in this area or that area, we don’t have to worry about it,’ you’re making a big mistake,” he said. “Those are tinders that can turn into big fires.”","Under the plan, individuals who earn $75,000 in adjusted gross income or less would get direct payments of $1,200 each. But which tax return is that based on?
If you've filed for 2019, that's what it would based off of. If you haven't, it would be based off of 2018."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,How do I safely take care of someone who’s sick?,"With the shortage of coronavirus testing nationwide, it may be difficult to know whether your loved one has coronavirus or another illness.
 So it’s critical to play it safe and not infect yourself and, in turn, others. The CDC suggests: 
 
 Giving the sick person their own room to stay in, if possible. Keep the door closed.
 Having only one person serve as the caretaker.
 Asking the sick person to wear a face mask, if they are able to. If the mask causes breathing difficulties, then the caretaker should wear a mask instead.","The novel coronavirus is dangerous for several reasons, even if the number of deaths haven’t matched that of the flu.
 The first US case of coronavirus was reported in January, and the first US death from coronavirus was reported in late February. By April 9, the US had more than 456,800 cases of coronavirus, and more than 16,000 people have died.
 Since this flu season started October 1, more than 24,000 Americans have died from the flu, according to CDC estimates. Nationwide, the flu has infected at least 39 million people between October and late March. 
 But here are key differences when comparing the flu vs. coronavirus: 
 
 The CDC estimates for the flu go back to October 2019. But the first US case of coronavirus didn’t emerge until several months later.
 Coronavirus is twice as contagious as the flu. Research indicates a person with the flu infects an average of 1.28 other people, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said. But with coronavirus, “it’s likely between 2 and 3” other people.
 Coronavirus infections have a “very high mortality rate – one in six – among people who are over 80 and people with underlying chronic disease,” epidemiologist Dr. Abdul El-Sayed said. 
 People with coronavirus might not get symptoms for 14 days, and some get no symptoms at all. But during that time, they’re still contagious and can infect others unknowingly. 
 A vaccine is available for the flu, but no vaccine is available for coronavirus. Experts say the number of flu deaths could be drastically reduced if more people got their flu shots. But about half of Americans don’t get vaccinated, including most children who die from the flu."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,We’ve been sheltering in place for weeks. So why are the “peaks” of hospitalizations and deaths still yet to come?,"“There is a delay because the way it goes, you have people who get exposed; they get infected; the number of new infections, hospitalizations, critical care and deaths (follow),” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 
 “So even when you suppress or stabilize the number of new infections, it’s still going to take a while before you see a decrease in hospitalizations, a decrease in intensive care, and a decrease in deaths. And in fact, deaths are the last thing that lag. So you could be doing well (with mitigation measures) and still see the deaths go up.”","Ideally, you should limit your children’s potential exposures to coronavirus and work out the safest plan possible with your ex. 
 The problem: Most state and county family courts are closed, or open only for emergencies involving abuse or endangerment. So if parents wanted to formally modify pre-existing custody agreements, they can’t.
 But some states may be offering some flexibility during the pandemic. And there may be creative solutions, such as spending more time with one parent now in exchange for extra time with the other parent after the pandemic ends."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Can high or low temperatures kill coronavirus?,"“Generally coronaviruses survive for shorter periods of time at higher temperatures and higher humidity than in cooler or dryer environments. However, we don’t have direct data for this virus, nor do we have direct data for a temperature-based cutoff for inactivation at this point,” the CDC says. 
 “The necessary temperature would also be based on the materials of the surface, the environment, etc.”
 President Donald Trump suggested this coronavirus could subside by the warmer summer months, but scientists say it’s too early to tell. And the fact that coronavirus keeps spreading in the Southern Hemisphere during its summer months suggests this strain might not succumb to warmer temperatures. 
 “The short answer is that while we may expect modest declines in the contagiousness of (novel coronavirus) in warmer, wetter weather and perhaps with the closing of schools … it is not reasonable to expect these declines alone to slow transmission enough to make a big dent,” wrote Dr. Marc Lipsitch, director of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.","Federal student loan borrowers would get a reprieve from payments until October and any interest that would have accrued during that period would be waived.
The agreement also allows students to keep any unspent money from Pell Grants or student loans and prevents students who have to leave school due to the pandemic from losing eligibility for future Pell Grants.
I should also note the bill explicitly allows colleges and universities to pay students for work-study programs even if they are unable to work."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Is there a cure?,"There’s currently no cure for the novel coronavirus. And while research is underway, it could be more than a year before a vaccine becomes publicly available.","An antiviral drug must be able to target the specific part of a virus’s life cycle that is necessary for it to reproduce, according to Harvard Medical School.
 “In addition, an antiviral drug must be able to kill a virus without killing the human cell it occupies. And viruses are highly adaptive.”"
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,"Should I wear a face mask in public? If so, how do I make one?","The CDC recently changed its guidance on wearing face masks as more studies about asymptomatic spread pile up.
 Now, the CDC “recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).”
 But there are several important caveats and key points: 
 
 The public should NOT buy surgical masks or N95 respirator masks. Those are desperately needed by health care workers who are in close contact with coronavirus patients every day. 
 Instead, make your own cloth mask — it’s easy, and you don’t have to sew. US Surgeon General Jerome Adams shows how to make face masks with just a T-shirt and rubber bands in this CDC video. You can also use a bandana and a coffee filter. 
 Don’t be fooled: The main benefit of wearing masks in public isn’t to protect you from getting sick. Rather, it’s to protect others from yourself if you’re sick or you’re an asymptomatic carrier. “This is more for people who might be infected and don’t know it, and to try and lower the likelihood that they will spread this to somebody else,” CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said. The CDC agreed.
 You can definitely still get coronavirus even if you wear a mask. The virus can stay alive on surfaces for up to 3 days, and it’s easy to touch your face whenever you’re not wearing a mask. Also, people often adjust face masks frequently, leading to more touching of the face — a common way that coronavirus spreads.
 It’s important to wash your cloth mask after every use. Here’s how. 
 Wearing cloth masks is just “an additional, voluntary public health measure,” the CDC said. To protect yourself from getting coronavirus, it’s critical to stay 6 feet away from others, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time, and stop touching your face.","States have received guidance from the CDC on how to keep voting locations clean. It’s up to you whether you feel comfortable going. 
 Many states that already held elections imposed measures to reduce contact between voters, increasing the distance between voting booths and rigorously disinfecting voting equipment. But if you go, remember – wash your hands before, during and afterward. 
 If you’re able to mail in your ballot, do – just don’t lick the envelope. 
 If you think you have a fever or respiratory symptoms, the CDC advises that you stay home. It’s unfortunate to skip out on your civic duty, but sick people shouldn’t visit crowded locations."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Why is a cure taking so long?,"An antiviral drug must be able to target the specific part of a virus’s life cycle that is necessary for it to reproduce, according to Harvard Medical School.
 “In addition, an antiviral drug must be able to kill a virus without killing the human cell it occupies. And viruses are highly adaptive.”","Coronavirus isn’t just infecting young people. It’s killing young, healthy people as well. 
 We’ve reported many stories about young people getting severely sick with or dying from coronavirus. 
 Dimitri Mitchell, 18, admits he had a “false sense of security.” But he was later hospitalized with coronavirus and now wants everyone to take it seriously. 
 “I just want to make sure everybody knows that no matter what their age is, it can seriously affect them. And it can seriously mess them up, like it messed me up,” Mitchell said. 
 He started feeling sick on St. Patrick’s Day, with just a small cough. “I thought at first it was just a normal cold. And then it started progressively getting worse,” he said. 
 “Four days in, the really bad symptoms started coming along. I started having really bad outbreaks, like sweating, and my eyes were really watery. I was getting warmer and warmer, and I was super fatigued. … I would start experiencing the worst headaches I’ve ever felt in my life. They were absolutely horrible.”
 Eventually, the teen had to be hospitalized. His mother said she worried he might “fall asleep and never wake up.” 
 Mitchell is now recovering, but still has a cough almost a month later. 
 “I just hope everybody’s responsible, because it’s nothing to joke about,” he said. “It’s a real problem, and I want everybody to make sure they’re following social distancing guidelines and the group limits. And just listen to all the rules and precautions and stay up to date with the news and make sure they’re informed.”"
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Are kids more at risk?,"“Younger people, thankfully, seem to be insulated to some extent to protect (them) from getting particularly sick from this,” said CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. “We don’t know entirely why.”
 But while children might have mild to no symptoms with coronavirus, they can still get others sick.
 “They can still carry the virus in their bodies,” Gupta said. “They could potentially still shed the virus and be a source of infection.”
 Like everyone else, children should wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, stay at least 6 feet away from anyone coughing or sneezing, and stop touching their faces – which is a lot harder than it sounds.","“We really should be,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. 
 “If you look at what’s going on across the country, I just don’t understand why we’re not doing that.”
 President Donald Trump has declined to give a nationwide stay-at-home order.
 More than 40 states have stay-at-home orders, which generally allow exceptions for grocery shopping, helping a sick loved one or getting outdoor exercise away from other people.
 But states with fewer cases of coronavirus also need to be on high alert, Fauci said. 
 “If you just look at those (places) and say, ‘There are very little infections in this area or that area, we don’t have to worry about it,’ you’re making a big mistake,” he said. “Those are tinders that can turn into big fires.”"
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Why are medical workers getting sick with or dying from coronavirus if they’re wearing protective gear?,"Many health care workers don’t actually have enough protective gear to handle the growing influx of coronavirus patients. 
 Some have resorted to using plastic report covers as masks. The CDC said medical providers might have to use expired masks or reuse them between multiple patients. (This shortage is why the general public should not buy medical masks and instead make cloth masks at home.)
 But it’s not just subpar protective gear that puts medical workers at risk. It’s also the amount of virus they’re exposed to. 
 “The viral load — the amount of virus – does determine the severity of your illness,” emergency room physician Dr. Leana Wen said. “So that could happen in the case of health care workers who are exposed to a lot more Covid-19 as a result of their work — that they get more severely ill.”","There’s currently no cure for the novel coronavirus. And while research is underway, it could be more than a year before a vaccine becomes publicly available."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Why worry about coronavirus when the flu kills many more people?,"The novel coronavirus is dangerous for several reasons, even if the number of deaths haven’t matched that of the flu.
 The first US case of coronavirus was reported in January, and the first US death from coronavirus was reported in late February. By April 9, the US had more than 456,800 cases of coronavirus, and more than 16,000 people have died.
 Since this flu season started October 1, more than 24,000 Americans have died from the flu, according to CDC estimates. Nationwide, the flu has infected at least 39 million people between October and late March. 
 But here are key differences when comparing the flu vs. coronavirus: 
 
 The CDC estimates for the flu go back to October 2019. But the first US case of coronavirus didn’t emerge until several months later.
 Coronavirus is twice as contagious as the flu. Research indicates a person with the flu infects an average of 1.28 other people, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said. But with coronavirus, “it’s likely between 2 and 3” other people.
 Coronavirus infections have a “very high mortality rate – one in six – among people who are over 80 and people with underlying chronic disease,” epidemiologist Dr. Abdul El-Sayed said. 
 People with coronavirus might not get symptoms for 14 days, and some get no symptoms at all. But during that time, they’re still contagious and can infect others unknowingly. 
 A vaccine is available for the flu, but no vaccine is available for coronavirus. Experts say the number of flu deaths could be drastically reduced if more people got their flu shots. But about half of Americans don’t get vaccinated, including most children who die from the flu.","Anyone can get coronavirus.
 Any person who comes into close contact with someone who is infected is at risk for contracting the virus, according to the CDC.
 “Black people can get coronavirus, just like other people,” said Dr. Jennifer Caudle, an African-American family physician who has also been debunking coronavirus myths. 
 Caudle said she worries that some people may not take proper precautions to protect themselves against the virus because they may have heard this myth.
 In Africa, the pandemic is gaining a foothold. So far, the virus hasn’t spread in Africa as quickly as it has on some other continents. But numbers there are rising fast."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Should I avoid public transportation?,"If you rely on public transportation, use caution. If you’re sick or live in an area where an outbreak has been reported, avoid it. 
 Mass transit could increase your risk of exposure to coronavirus. Luckily, transit systems are upping their cleaning regimens — notably the New York subway system. 
 Dr. Robyn Gershon, a professor of epidemiology at New York University’s School of Public Health, has some tips: When you ride a bus or subway, sneeze or cough into your elbow. Use a tissue to hold onto a pole. Avoid touching your face while you’re riding, and use hand sanitizer if you have it while you’re commuting. 
 Again, wash your hands before, during and after your trip. 
 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recommends letting crowded trains or buses pass and waiting for a less crowded one. It’s nearly impossible to maintain 6 feet of distance on a packed subway car. 
 If you have a chronic illness, find alternative means of transportation — being in a crowded subway car or bus will significantly increase your risk of infection.","“Younger people, thankfully, seem to be insulated to some extent to protect (them) from getting particularly sick from this,” said CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. “We don’t know entirely why.”
 But while children might have mild to no symptoms with coronavirus, they can still get others sick.
 “They can still carry the virus in their bodies,” Gupta said. “They could potentially still shed the virus and be a source of infection.”
 Like everyone else, children should wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, stay at least 6 feet away from anyone coughing or sneezing, and stop touching their faces – which is a lot harder than it sounds."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,How long does coronavirus stay “alive” on surfaces?,"Up to three days, depending on the surface. According to a study funded by the US National Institutes of Health:
 
 The novel coronavirus is viable up to 72 hours after being placed on stainless steel and plastic.
 It was viable up to four hours after being placed on copper, and up to 24 hours after being put on cardboard.
 In aerosols, it was viable for three hours.","The CDC recently changed its guidance on wearing face masks as more studies about asymptomatic spread pile up.
 Now, the CDC “recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).”
 But there are several important caveats and key points: 
 
 The public should NOT buy surgical masks or N95 respirator masks. Those are desperately needed by health care workers who are in close contact with coronavirus patients every day. 
 Instead, make your own cloth mask — it’s easy, and you don’t have to sew. US Surgeon General Jerome Adams shows how to make face masks with just a T-shirt and rubber bands in this CDC video. You can also use a bandana and a coffee filter. 
 Don’t be fooled: The main benefit of wearing masks in public isn’t to protect you from getting sick. Rather, it’s to protect others from yourself if you’re sick or you’re an asymptomatic carrier. “This is more for people who might be infected and don’t know it, and to try and lower the likelihood that they will spread this to somebody else,” CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said. The CDC agreed.
 You can definitely still get coronavirus even if you wear a mask. The virus can stay alive on surfaces for up to 3 days, and it’s easy to touch your face whenever you’re not wearing a mask. Also, people often adjust face masks frequently, leading to more touching of the face — a common way that coronavirus spreads.
 It’s important to wash your cloth mask after every use. Here’s how. 
 Wearing cloth masks is just “an additional, voluntary public health measure,” the CDC said. To protect yourself from getting coronavirus, it’s critical to stay 6 feet away from others, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time, and stop touching your face."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,"If infected with coronavirus, can you survive it and recover?","Absolutely. The vast majority of people with coronavirus survive. 
 The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has estimated the death rate is “about 2%.”","Some people with coronavirus have mild or no symptoms. And in some cases, symptoms don’t appear until up to 14 days after infection. 
 During that incubation period, it’s possible to get coronavirus from someone with no symptoms. It’s also possible you may have coronavirus without feeling sick and are accidentally infecting others. 
 So anyone who has had close contact with someone known to have coronavirus should ask a health care provider about getting tested, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Is it safe for me to vote at a polling location?,"States have received guidance from the CDC on how to keep voting locations clean. It’s up to you whether you feel comfortable going. 
 Many states that already held elections imposed measures to reduce contact between voters, increasing the distance between voting booths and rigorously disinfecting voting equipment. But if you go, remember – wash your hands before, during and afterward. 
 If you’re able to mail in your ballot, do – just don’t lick the envelope. 
 If you think you have a fever or respiratory symptoms, the CDC advises that you stay home. It’s unfortunate to skip out on your civic duty, but sick people shouldn’t visit crowded locations.","Under the plan, individuals who earn $75,000 in adjusted gross income or less would get direct payments of $1,200 each. But which tax return is that based on?
If you've filed for 2019, that's what it would based off of. If you haven't, it would be based off of 2018."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Should I spray myself or my kids with disinfectant?,"No. Those products work on surfaces but can be dangerous to your body. 
 There are some chemical disinfectants, including bleach, 75% ethanol, peracetic acid and chloroform, that may kill the virus on surfaces. 
 But if the virus is already in your body, putting those substances on your skin or under your nose won’t kill it, the World Health Organization says. Not to mention, those chemicals can harm you. 
 And please – do not ingest chemical disinfectants.","Federal student loan borrowers would get a reprieve from payments until October and any interest that would have accrued during that period would be waived.
The agreement also allows students to keep any unspent money from Pell Grants or student loans and prevents students who have to leave school due to the pandemic from losing eligibility for future Pell Grants.
I should also note the bill explicitly allows colleges and universities to pay students for work-study programs even if they are unable to work."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,"If people can spread the virus without showing any symptoms, how can I tell who’s infected and who’s not?","You can’t, said Dr. James Phillips, chief of disaster and operational medicine at George Washington University Hospital.
 “We’re so far behind on testing, there’s only one way we can be certain not to transmit the virus and be certain not to get it ourselves: We need to start treating every person as though they have this, ” Phillips said. 
 “And everyone needs to treat us like we have it, and socially distance ourselves in that manner. Because until we have (enough) testing, we don’t know who has this. And we’re not sure when they start spreading it.” 
 That’s why it’s so critical to avoid crowds, stay at least 6 feet away from others, wash or disinfect your hands, and stop touching your face.","Up to three days, depending on the surface. According to a study funded by the US National Institutes of Health:
 
 The novel coronavirus is viable up to 72 hours after being placed on stainless steel and plastic.
 It was viable up to four hours after being placed on copper, and up to 24 hours after being put on cardboard.
 In aerosols, it was viable for three hours."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,What can I do if my loved one suspects they have coronavirus?,"Don’t visit family members with suspected illness – keep up with them virtually.
 If that loved one lives with you, limit contact with them and avoid using the same bathroom or bedroom, the CDC advises.
 If they’ve been diagnosed, they may be able to recover at home in isolation. Separate yourself as much as possible from your infected family member and keep animals away, too. Continue to use separate restrooms and regularly disinfect them with EPA-approved products.
 Stock up on groceries and household supplies for them while they can’t travel outside and minimize trips to stores. Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items with the infected person.
 If you suspect you’re developing symptoms, stay home and call your physician.","Some cases of coronavirus do lead to pneumonia. But the pneumonia vaccine won’t help.
 “Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, only help protect people from these specific bacterial infections,” according to Harvard Medical School.
 “They do not protect against any coronavirus pneumonia.”
 The flu shot does not protect against coronavirus. But it does help protect against a massive, unnecessary burden on hospitals already overwhelmed with coronavirus.
 The CDC estimates about 140,000 to 810,000 people are hospitalized with the flu every year in the US. And about half of Americans don’t get vaccinated – including most children who die from the flu."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,My ex and I have joint custody of our kids. Is it safe for them to go between two homes?,"Ideally, you should limit your children’s potential exposures to coronavirus and work out the safest plan possible with your ex. 
 The problem: Most state and county family courts are closed, or open only for emergencies involving abuse or endangerment. So if parents wanted to formally modify pre-existing custody agreements, they can’t.
 But some states may be offering some flexibility during the pandemic. And there may be creative solutions, such as spending more time with one parent now in exchange for extra time with the other parent after the pandemic ends.","With the shortage of coronavirus testing nationwide, it may be difficult to know whether your loved one has coronavirus or another illness.
 So it’s critical to play it safe and not infect yourself and, in turn, others. The CDC suggests: 
 
 Giving the sick person their own room to stay in, if possible. Keep the door closed.
 Having only one person serve as the caretaker.
 Asking the sick person to wear a face mask, if they are able to. If the mask causes breathing difficulties, then the caretaker should wear a mask instead."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Should I go to work?,"If you can, you should stay home from work when you’re sick, whether or not you have coronavirus. 
 Many companies are increasingly flexible with work from home policies. If your company is allowing employees to work from home, consider it. Some companies have enforced working from home. 
 If you must go into work, maintain 6 feet of distance from your colleagues, wash your hands frequently and practice good respiratory etiquette by coughing or sneezing into your elbow.
 Avoid handshakes, switch in-person meetings to teleconferences and disinfect your workspace with EPA-approved products at the start of your shift.","“Younger people, thankfully, seem to be insulated to some extent to protect (them) from getting particularly sick from this,” said CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. “We don’t know entirely why.”
 But while children might have mild to no symptoms with coronavirus, they can still get others sick.
 “They can still carry the virus in their bodies,” Gupta said. “They could potentially still shed the virus and be a source of infection.”
 Like everyone else, children should wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, stay at least 6 feet away from anyone coughing or sneezing, and stop touching their faces – which is a lot harder than it sounds."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,"After recovering from coronavirus, does a person have long-term immunity to the virus?","It’s too early to know for sure. But other coronaviruses, like ones that cause the common cold, might give us clues. 
 With “common cold coronaviruses, you don’t actually have immunity that lasts for very long, and so we don’t know the answer with this specific coronavirus,” said Dr. Celine Gounder, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the New York University School of Medicine.
 “That’s actually going to be one of the challenges with designing a vaccine is how do you actually cause the immunity to last long enough to protect you.”","No. Those products work on surfaces but can be dangerous to your body. 
 There are some chemical disinfectants, including bleach, 75% ethanol, peracetic acid and chloroform, that may kill the virus on surfaces. 
 But if the virus is already in your body, putting those substances on your skin or under your nose won’t kill it, the World Health Organization says. Not to mention, those chemicals can harm you. 
 And please – do not ingest chemical disinfectants."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,How long does it take to recover?,"“It takes anything up to six weeks to recover from this disease,” said Dr. Michael Ryan of the World Health Organization. 
 “People who suffer very severe illness can take months to recover from the illness.”
 Recovery is often marked by a patient no longer showing symptoms and having two consecutive negative tests at least one day apart, Ryan said. But there is no known cure for the novel coronavirus.","If you rely on public transportation, use caution. If you’re sick or live in an area where an outbreak has been reported, avoid it. 
 Mass transit could increase your risk of exposure to coronavirus. Luckily, transit systems are upping their cleaning regimens — notably the New York subway system. 
 Dr. Robyn Gershon, a professor of epidemiology at New York University’s School of Public Health, has some tips: When you ride a bus or subway, sneeze or cough into your elbow. Use a tissue to hold onto a pole. Avoid touching your face while you’re riding, and use hand sanitizer if you have it while you’re commuting. 
 Again, wash your hands before, during and after your trip. 
 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recommends letting crowded trains or buses pass and waiting for a less crowded one. It’s nearly impossible to maintain 6 feet of distance on a packed subway car. 
 If you have a chronic illness, find alternative means of transportation — being in a crowded subway car or bus will significantly increase your risk of infection."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Can coronavirus go through skin and into the body?,"“It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads,” the CDC says. 
 More often than not, people get coronavirus through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
 “These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs,” the CDC says.","Many health care workers don’t actually have enough protective gear to handle the growing influx of coronavirus patients. 
 Some have resorted to using plastic report covers as masks. The CDC said medical providers might have to use expired masks or reuse them between multiple patients. (This shortage is why the general public should not buy medical masks and instead make cloth masks at home.)
 But it’s not just subpar protective gear that puts medical workers at risk. It’s also the amount of virus they’re exposed to. 
 “The viral load — the amount of virus – does determine the severity of your illness,” emergency room physician Dr. Leana Wen said. “So that could happen in the case of health care workers who are exposed to a lot more Covid-19 as a result of their work — that they get more severely ill.”"
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,"Since a plane's cabin keeps circulating air, will I get sick if another passenger is sick?","Most viruses don’t spread easily on airplanes because of how the air circulates and is filtered, the CDC says. 
 Modern commercial jets recirculate 10-50% of the air in the cabin, mixed with outside air. 
 “The recirculated air passes through a series of filters 20-30 times per hour,” the CDC says. 
 “Furthermore, air generally circulates in defined areas within the aircraft, thus limiting the radius of distribution of pathogens spread by small-particle aerosols. As a result, the cabin air environment is not conducive to the spread of most infectious diseases.”
 Still, try to avoid contact with anyone sneezing or coughing. And if you’re feeling sick, cover your entire mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.","You can’t, said Dr. James Phillips, chief of disaster and operational medicine at George Washington University Hospital.
 “We’re so far behind on testing, there’s only one way we can be certain not to transmit the virus and be certain not to get it ourselves: We need to start treating every person as though they have this, ” Phillips said. 
 “And everyone needs to treat us like we have it, and socially distance ourselves in that manner. Because until we have (enough) testing, we don’t know who has this. And we’re not sure when they start spreading it.” 
 That’s why it’s so critical to avoid crowds, stay at least 6 feet away from others, wash or disinfect your hands, and stop touching your face."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,"Now that a tiger has tested positive, could my pet get coronavirus from me? Or could I become infected by my pet?","“There have been no reports of pets or livestock becoming ill with COVID-19 in the United States, and only four reported cases in the world of dogs and cats testing positive for the virus,” the American Veterinary Medical Association said April 5.
 “At this point in time, there is no evidence that domestic animals, including pets and livestock, can spread COVID-19 to people.”
 That statement came after the Bronx Zoo said a tiger was infected by a zoo employee who was “asymptomatically infected with the virus.” The zoo had been closed to the public since March 16.
 The AVMA said “out of an abundance of caution, and until more is known about this virus, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19.”
 “If you have a service animal or you must care for your animals, including pets, wear a cloth facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them,” the veterinary association said.
 “If you are not ill with COVID-19, you can interact with your pet as you normally would, including walking, feeding, and playing. You should continue to practice good hygiene during those interactions,” including washing your hands before and after touching your pet.","So long as they are not listed as a dependent for someone else (and, as retirees, fall within the income thresholds), yes, they should receive a check."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,I’ve heard that home remedies can cure or prevent the virus. Is that true?,"There’s no evidence from the outbreak that eating garlic, sipping water every 15 minutes or taking vitamin C will protect people from the new coronavirus. Same goes for using essential oils, colloidal silver and steroids.","So long as they are not listed as a dependent for someone else (and, as retirees, fall within the income thresholds), yes, they should receive a check."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Why doesn’t the US have enough medical supplies to handle this outbreak?,"Top healthcare officials say the US does not have enough stockpiled medical equipment like masks, gowns and gloves to meet the anticipated need as this pandemic grows.
 There are several reasons hospitals are on track to face dire shortages, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert and professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 
 “About 20 or 30 years ago, we decided that we would not over-hospitalize,” Schaffner said.
 Back then, hospitals often had empty hospital beds for new patients. But now, many hospitals are “absolutely full,” Schaffner said. “We have under-built hospital beds because they are very expensive.”
 Also, Americans have grown accustomed to “just-in-time” ordering. But that becomes a huge problem when international supply chains are disrupted by an outbreak. “We didn’t anticipate international turbulence influencing this,” Schaffner said.
 Now, some health care workers are making their own masks. They’ve also been told they can use bandanas or scarves as masks.","If you rely on public transportation, use caution. If you’re sick or live in an area where an outbreak has been reported, avoid it. 
 Mass transit could increase your risk of exposure to coronavirus. Luckily, transit systems are upping their cleaning regimens — notably the New York subway system. 
 Dr. Robyn Gershon, a professor of epidemiology at New York University’s School of Public Health, has some tips: When you ride a bus or subway, sneeze or cough into your elbow. Use a tissue to hold onto a pole. Avoid touching your face while you’re riding, and use hand sanitizer if you have it while you’re commuting. 
 Again, wash your hands before, during and after your trip. 
 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recommends letting crowded trains or buses pass and waiting for a less crowded one. It’s nearly impossible to maintain 6 feet of distance on a packed subway car. 
 If you have a chronic illness, find alternative means of transportation — being in a crowded subway car or bus will significantly increase your risk of infection."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,My teenagers aren’t taking this seriously. Any advice?,"Coronavirus isn’t just infecting young people. It’s killing young, healthy people as well. 
 We’ve reported many stories about young people getting severely sick with or dying from coronavirus. 
 Dimitri Mitchell, 18, admits he had a “false sense of security.” But he was later hospitalized with coronavirus and now wants everyone to take it seriously. 
 “I just want to make sure everybody knows that no matter what their age is, it can seriously affect them. And it can seriously mess them up, like it messed me up,” Mitchell said. 
 He started feeling sick on St. Patrick’s Day, with just a small cough. “I thought at first it was just a normal cold. And then it started progressively getting worse,” he said. 
 “Four days in, the really bad symptoms started coming along. I started having really bad outbreaks, like sweating, and my eyes were really watery. I was getting warmer and warmer, and I was super fatigued. … I would start experiencing the worst headaches I’ve ever felt in my life. They were absolutely horrible.”
 Eventually, the teen had to be hospitalized. His mother said she worried he might “fall asleep and never wake up.” 
 Mitchell is now recovering, but still has a cough almost a month later. 
 “I just hope everybody’s responsible, because it’s nothing to joke about,” he said. “It’s a real problem, and I want everybody to make sure they’re following social distancing guidelines and the group limits. And just listen to all the rules and precautions and stay up to date with the news and make sure they’re informed.”","If you work in a city or state that requires sick leave and you use it, you can‘t be terminated or disciplined. 
 But there is no federal mandate that requires companies to offer paid sick leave, and almost a quarter of all US workers don’t get it, according to 2019 government data. Some state and local governments have passed laws that require companies to offer paid sick leave.
 The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can sometimes protect a worker’s job in the event they get sick, but it won’t guarantee they get paid while they’re out. 
 Employee advocates urge businesses to consider the special circumstances of the coronavirus, and some already have. Uber and Olive Garden are two that recently updated their sick leave policies to adjust to the pandemic."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,What are the symptoms?,"Fever, dry cough and difficulty breathing are hallmarks of coronavirus. 
 Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks after exposure, the CDC says. But some people get no symptoms at all and can infect others without knowing it.
 The illness varies in its severity, and many patients can recover at home in isolation.","Federal student loan borrowers would get a reprieve from payments until October and any interest that would have accrued during that period would be waived.
The agreement also allows students to keep any unspent money from Pell Grants or student loans and prevents students who have to leave school due to the pandemic from losing eligibility for future Pell Grants.
I should also note the bill explicitly allows colleges and universities to pay students for work-study programs even if they are unable to work."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,What happens when workers don't get paid sick leave?,"If you work in a city or state that requires sick leave and you use it, you can‘t be terminated or disciplined. 
 But there is no federal mandate that requires companies to offer paid sick leave, and almost a quarter of all US workers don’t get it, according to 2019 government data. Some state and local governments have passed laws that require companies to offer paid sick leave.
 The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can sometimes protect a worker’s job in the event they get sick, but it won’t guarantee they get paid while they’re out. 
 Employee advocates urge businesses to consider the special circumstances of the coronavirus, and some already have. Uber and Olive Garden are two that recently updated their sick leave policies to adjust to the pandemic.","No, antibiotics are not effective against coronavirus because the disease is a viral infection, not a bacterial infection. 
 “However, if you are hospitalized for the [coronavirus], you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible,” the World Health Organization says. 
 There is no known cure for the coronavirus. Researchers are studying whether the antiviral drug remdesivir might work, but testing of that drug just started.
 For now, coronavirus patients get “supportive” treatment, “which means giving fluids, medicine to reduce fever, and, in severe cases, supplemental oxygen,” the Harvard Medical School says."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,How does this coronavirus spread?,"It primarily spreads between people through respiratory droplets, like through coughs, sneezes, spittle. 
 You can also get coronavirus by touching infected surfaces, then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.","Some cases of coronavirus do lead to pneumonia. But the pneumonia vaccine won’t help.
 “Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, only help protect people from these specific bacterial infections,” according to Harvard Medical School.
 “They do not protect against any coronavirus pneumonia.”
 The flu shot does not protect against coronavirus. But it does help protect against a massive, unnecessary burden on hospitals already overwhelmed with coronavirus.
 The CDC estimates about 140,000 to 810,000 people are hospitalized with the flu every year in the US. And about half of Americans don’t get vaccinated – including most children who die from the flu."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Is it safe to eat takeout from restaurants? Can I get coronavirus through food?,"Yes, it is safe to eat takeout.
 There’s no evidence to suggest coronavirus is transmitted through food, the CDC says. It’s mainly spread through respiratory droplets.
 Even if coronavirus does get into your food, your stomach acid would kill it, said Dr. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia University.
 “When you eat any kind of food, whether it be hot or cold, that food is going to go straight down into your stomach, where there’s a high acidity, low-pH environment that will inactivate the virus,” she said.
 But it’s a good idea to disinfect the takeout containers, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said. Coronavirus is a respiratory virus, and it’s easy to touch your face without realizing it.
 If you don’t have disinfecting wipes, use your own plates or bowls to serve the food. Just make sure to wash your hands after transferring food from the containers.","It’s easy for asymptomatic people to spread coronavirus, said Dr. Anne Rimoin, an epidemiology professor at UCLA’s School of Public Health.
 “When you speak, sometimes you’ll spit a little bit,” she said. “You’ll rub your nose. You’ll touch your mouth. You’ll rub your eyes. And then you’ll touch other surfaces, and then you will be spreading virus if you are infected and shedding asymptomatically.”"
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Why waste a test kit on a person without symptoms?,"Some people with coronavirus have mild or no symptoms. And in some cases, symptoms don’t appear until up to 14 days after infection. 
 During that incubation period, it’s possible to get coronavirus from someone with no symptoms. It’s also possible you may have coronavirus without feeling sick and are accidentally infecting others. 
 So anyone who has had close contact with someone known to have coronavirus should ask a health care provider about getting tested, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.","No. There are some interesting coincidences in the 1981 fiction novel, which says “a severe pneumonia-like illness will spread around the globe” around the year 2020. Modern editions of the book call the biological strain “Wuhan-400,” and the current coronavirus outbreak started in Wuhan, China.
 But there are important differences between the book and reality. The original version of the book called the strain the “Gorki-400,” in reference to a Russian locality, before it was later changed to the “Wuhan-400.” In the book, the virus was man-made, while scientists believe the novel coronavirus started in animals and jumped to humans. And in the book, the virus had a 100% mortality rate. Early estimates of the mortality rate for this coronavirus outbreak range from 2-4%."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Can I have the flu and coronavirus at the same time?,"Yes. Testing positive for either the flu or coronavirus doesn’t exempt you from having the other at the same time. 
 The flu and coronavirus share some common symptoms, such as fever and cough.
 But many coronavirus patients suffer from shortness of breath, and some people with coronavirus lose their senses of taste or smell. But it’s important to note many people with coronavirus — possibly up to 50% — have no symptoms at all.
 Learn more about the differences between flu, coronavirus and allergy symptoms here.","Some people with coronavirus have mild or no symptoms. And in some cases, symptoms don’t appear until up to 14 days after infection. 
 During that incubation period, it’s possible to get coronavirus from someone with no symptoms. It’s also possible you may have coronavirus without feeling sick and are accidentally infecting others. 
 So anyone who has had close contact with someone known to have coronavirus should ask a health care provider about getting tested, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Will a pneumonia or flu vaccine help protect against coronavirus?,"Some cases of coronavirus do lead to pneumonia. But the pneumonia vaccine won’t help.
 “Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, only help protect people from these specific bacterial infections,” according to Harvard Medical School.
 “They do not protect against any coronavirus pneumonia.”
 The flu shot does not protect against coronavirus. But it does help protect against a massive, unnecessary burden on hospitals already overwhelmed with coronavirus.
 The CDC estimates about 140,000 to 810,000 people are hospitalized with the flu every year in the US. And about half of Americans don’t get vaccinated – including most children who die from the flu.","No. “The new coronavirus cannot be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting Covid-19 cases,” the World Health Organization says. 
 “Even though the new coronavirus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days (depending on the type of surface), it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures,” WHO said. 
 Again, the best ways to prevent transmission is to stay 6 feet away from others, thoroughly wash your hands, and disinfect surfaces with EPA-approved products."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,The stores are all out of disinfectant sprays and hand sanitizer. Can I make my own?,"Yes, you can make both at home.
 “Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted” if you’re trying to kill coronavirus on a non-porous surface, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. 
 The CDC’s recipe calls for diluting 5 tablespoons (or ⅓ cup) of bleach per gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. 
 You can also make your own hand sanitizer. The Nebraska Medical Center – famous for its biocontainment unit and treatment of Ebola patients – offers this recipe:
 What you’ll need:
 
 2/3 cup 91% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
 Mixing bowl
 Spoon or something for whisking
 Small container, such as a 3 oz. travel bottle
 Optional: essential oil to give your hand sanitizer a fragrance
 
 Directions:
In a mixing bowl, stir isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel together until well blended.
Add 8-10 drops of scented essential oil (optional, but nice). Stir to incorporate.
Pour the homemade hand sanitizer into an empty container and seal.
Write “hand sanitizer” on a piece of masking tape and attach to the bottle.","If you work in a city or state that requires sick leave and you use it, you can‘t be terminated or disciplined. 
 But there is no federal mandate that requires companies to offer paid sick leave, and almost a quarter of all US workers don’t get it, according to 2019 government data. Some state and local governments have passed laws that require companies to offer paid sick leave.
 The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can sometimes protect a worker’s job in the event they get sick, but it won’t guarantee they get paid while they’re out. 
 Employee advocates urge businesses to consider the special circumstances of the coronavirus, and some already have. Uber and Olive Garden are two that recently updated their sick leave policies to adjust to the pandemic."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Is coronavirus more contagious than the flu?,"Yes. 
 Research indicates a person with the flu infects about 1.28 other people, on average, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said.
 But with the novel coronavirus, he said, “it’s likely between 2 and 3” other people.","Absolutely. The vast majority of people with coronavirus survive. 
 The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has estimated the death rate is “about 2%.”"
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,"How can someone spread coronavirus when asymptomatic? If they’re not sneezing or coughing, how can they infect others?","It’s easy for asymptomatic people to spread coronavirus, said Dr. Anne Rimoin, an epidemiology professor at UCLA’s School of Public Health.
 “When you speak, sometimes you’ll spit a little bit,” she said. “You’ll rub your nose. You’ll touch your mouth. You’ll rub your eyes. And then you’ll touch other surfaces, and then you will be spreading virus if you are infected and shedding asymptomatically.”","Many health care workers don’t actually have enough protective gear to handle the growing influx of coronavirus patients. 
 Some have resorted to using plastic report covers as masks. The CDC said medical providers might have to use expired masks or reuse them between multiple patients. (This shortage is why the general public should not buy medical masks and instead make cloth masks at home.)
 But it’s not just subpar protective gear that puts medical workers at risk. It’s also the amount of virus they’re exposed to. 
 “The viral load — the amount of virus – does determine the severity of your illness,” emergency room physician Dr. Leana Wen said. “So that could happen in the case of health care workers who are exposed to a lot more Covid-19 as a result of their work — that they get more severely ill.”"
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Can I get coronavirus from a package sent from China?,"No. “The new coronavirus cannot be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting Covid-19 cases,” the World Health Organization says. 
 “Even though the new coronavirus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days (depending on the type of surface), it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures,” WHO said. 
 Again, the best ways to prevent transmission is to stay 6 feet away from others, thoroughly wash your hands, and disinfect surfaces with EPA-approved products.","There’s no evidence from the outbreak that eating garlic, sipping water every 15 minutes or taking vitamin C will protect people from the new coronavirus. Same goes for using essential oils, colloidal silver and steroids.
 Some posts have suggested that putting sesame oil on your body or spraying yourself with alcohol or chlorine will kill the virus. That’s also false."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Why is the US so far behind other countries with testing?,"Experts say it’s due to cuts in federal funding for public health and problems with early testing. 
 Problems with public health infrastructure Two years ago, the CDC stopped funding epidemic prevention activities in 39 countries, including China. This happened because the Trump administration refused to allocate money to a program that started during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. 
 Former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden warned that move “would significantly increase the chance an epidemic will spread without our knowledge and endanger lives in our country and around the world.”
 Problems with the testing Malfunctions, shortages and delays in availability have all contributed to the slowdown. 
 In the first few weeks of the outbreak in the US, the CDC was the only facility in the country that could confirm test results — even though a World Health Organization test became available around the same time. 
 Some test kits that were sent around the country were flawed — a move that put the US behind about “four to five weeks,” says Dr. Rob Davidson, executive director of the Committee to Protect Medicare.","If you can, you should stay home from work when you’re sick, whether or not you have coronavirus. 
 Many companies are increasingly flexible with work from home policies. If your company is allowing employees to work from home, consider it. Some companies have enforced working from home. 
 If you must go into work, maintain 6 feet of distance from your colleagues, wash your hands frequently and practice good respiratory etiquette by coughing or sneezing into your elbow.
 Avoid handshakes, switch in-person meetings to teleconferences and disinfect your workspace with EPA-approved products at the start of your shift."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,"If a coronavirus patient progresses to pneumonia, what antibiotics if any have proven to be effective?","No, antibiotics are not effective against coronavirus because the disease is a viral infection, not a bacterial infection. 
 “However, if you are hospitalized for the [coronavirus], you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible,” the World Health Organization says. 
 There is no known cure for the coronavirus. Researchers are studying whether the antiviral drug remdesivir might work, but testing of that drug just started.
 For now, coronavirus patients get “supportive” treatment, “which means giving fluids, medicine to reduce fever, and, in severe cases, supplemental oxygen,” the Harvard Medical School says.","It primarily spreads between people through respiratory droplets, like through coughs, sneezes, spittle. 
 You can also get coronavirus by touching infected surfaces, then touching your mouth, eyes or nose."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,I’ve heard that black people can’t get coronavirus.,"Anyone can get coronavirus.
 Any person who comes into close contact with someone who is infected is at risk for contracting the virus, according to the CDC.
 “Black people can get coronavirus, just like other people,” said Dr. Jennifer Caudle, an African-American family physician who has also been debunking coronavirus myths. 
 Caudle said she worries that some people may not take proper precautions to protect themselves against the virus because they may have heard this myth.
 In Africa, the pandemic is gaining a foothold. So far, the virus hasn’t spread in Africa as quickly as it has on some other continents. But numbers there are rising fast.","Federal student loan borrowers would get a reprieve from payments until October and any interest that would have accrued during that period would be waived.
The agreement also allows students to keep any unspent money from Pell Grants or student loans and prevents students who have to leave school due to the pandemic from losing eligibility for future Pell Grants.
I should also note the bill explicitly allows colleges and universities to pay students for work-study programs even if they are unable to work."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,Can the heat from a hand dryer kill coronavirus?,"Hand dryers can’t kill the virus, according to WHO. The organization also says that UV lamps shouldn’t be used to sterilize hands or other areas of the body because the radiation can irritate skin.
 Drinking hot water or taking hot baths won’t kill it, either.","Federal student loan borrowers would get a reprieve from payments until October and any interest that would have accrued during that period would be waived.
The agreement also allows students to keep any unspent money from Pell Grants or student loans and prevents students who have to leave school due to the pandemic from losing eligibility for future Pell Grants.
I should also note the bill explicitly allows colleges and universities to pay students for work-study programs even if they are unable to work."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-questions-answers/,I’ve heard that home remedies can cure or prevent the virus.,"There’s no evidence from the outbreak that eating garlic, sipping water every 15 minutes or taking vitamin C will protect people from the new coronavirus. Same goes for using essential oils, colloidal silver and steroids.
 Some posts have suggested that putting sesame oil on your body or spraying yourself with alcohol or chlorine will kill the virus. That’s also false.","Some people with coronavirus have mild or no symptoms. And in some cases, symptoms don’t appear until up to 14 days after infection. 
 During that incubation period, it’s possible to get coronavirus from someone with no symptoms. It’s also possible you may have coronavirus without feeling sick and are accidentally infecting others. 
 So anyone who has had close contact with someone known to have coronavirus should ask a health care provider about getting tested, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-stimulus-questions/index.html,"How and when do I get my check?
","President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin have targeted April 6. Tax experts (and lawmakers working on this) are very skeptical of that date. There's no question they want -- and need to turn this around -- ASAP. There are also different ways it could be done -- through direct deposit (which would be the quickest delivery mechanism), through mailing a paper check or even, according to some people involved in the discussions, through mailing pre-loaded debit cards. But the reality is there isn't a firm answer yet. In other words, Treasury has a lot of work ahead of it.","“There is a delay because the way it goes, you have people who get exposed; they get infected; the number of new infections, hospitalizations, critical care and deaths (follow),” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 
 “So even when you suppress or stabilize the number of new infections, it’s still going to take a while before you see a decrease in hospitalizations, a decrease in intensive care, and a decrease in deaths. And in fact, deaths are the last thing that lag. So you could be doing well (with mitigation measures) and still see the deaths go up.”"
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-stimulus-questions/index.html,"Is the check based on my 2018 or 2019 tax return?
","Under the plan, individuals who earn $75,000 in adjusted gross income or less would get direct payments of $1,200 each. But which tax return is that based on?
If you've filed for 2019, that's what it would based off of. If you haven't, it would be based off of 2018.","Most viruses don’t spread easily on airplanes because of how the air circulates and is filtered, the CDC says. 
 Modern commercial jets recirculate 10-50% of the air in the cabin, mixed with outside air. 
 “The recirculated air passes through a series of filters 20-30 times per hour,” the CDC says. 
 “Furthermore, air generally circulates in defined areas within the aircraft, thus limiting the radius of distribution of pathogens spread by small-particle aerosols. As a result, the cabin air environment is not conducive to the spread of most infectious diseases.”
 Still, try to avoid contact with anyone sneezing or coughing. And if you’re feeling sick, cover your entire mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-stimulus-questions/index.html,Does the bill include anything about student loans?,"Federal student loan borrowers would get a reprieve from payments until October and any interest that would have accrued during that period would be waived.
The agreement also allows students to keep any unspent money from Pell Grants or student loans and prevents students who have to leave school due to the pandemic from losing eligibility for future Pell Grants.
I should also note the bill explicitly allows colleges and universities to pay students for work-study programs even if they are unable to work.","There’s no evidence from the outbreak that eating garlic, sipping water every 15 minutes or taking vitamin C will protect people from the new coronavirus. Same goes for using essential oils, colloidal silver and steroids."
CNN,https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-stimulus-questions/index.html,"Will retired seniors also get stimulus checks?
","So long as they are not listed as a dependent for someone else (and, as retirees, fall within the income thresholds), yes, they should receive a check.","It’s easy for asymptomatic people to spread coronavirus, said Dr. Anne Rimoin, an epidemiology professor at UCLA’s School of Public Health.
 “When you speak, sometimes you’ll spit a little bit,” she said. “You’ll rub your nose. You’ll touch your mouth. You’ll rub your eyes. And then you’ll touch other surfaces, and then you will be spreading virus if you are infected and shedding asymptomatically.”"
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,Can you contract COVID-19 more than once?,"There have been media reports in China, Japan, and South Korea about
individuals who had the virus and eventually tested negative for it and were
released, only to test positive for it again a short time later.

Scientists in those countries have speculated that testing errors could be to
blame, either for a false negative that said the patients were free of the
virus or for the positive result that signalled its reoccurrence.

Dr. Iris Gorfinkel, a family physician and medical researcher, said it’s
really too soon to know whether an individual can contract COVID-19 more than
once, and how quickly that can happen.

“We actually don’t know. We don’t know how long-lasting the immunity is to
it,” she told CTV’s Your Morning on March 16. “These viruses have the tendency
to morph and change.”

In fact, it’s still not even clear if people develop an immediate immunity to
COVID-19, as is typically the case with other virus strains, such as the flu.

“So just like any other virus, there’s the possibility that it could shift or
drift. Just minor changes could change it from a once mild infection to a more
severe infection,” she explained.","As physical distancing recommendations have evolved, it has become clear that
authorities do not want anyone to get close to anyone from outside their
household unless absolutely necessary.

""Stay home"" has become the refrain from political and public health leaders
seeking to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infectiuons.

""Physical distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce
the spread of illness during an outbreak,"" PHAC says on its website, which
recommends that all Canadians avoid ""non-essential"" gatherings.

Gorfinkel said people should aim to avoid all unnecessary contact with
individuals to prevent further spread in their communities.

“Stop the spread because so many people have mild symptoms. That’s the
problem,” she said. “They’re the source where the majority of cases are going
to come from.”"
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,"Can you contract two viruses at the same time, such as new coronavirus and the flu?","While it’s still unclear if someone can contract the new coronavirus more than
once, it is possible to have more than one different virus at the same time.

Dr. Isaac Bogoch said it’s absolutely possible for someone to have COVID-19
and a strain of the flu or another virus simultaneously.

“We sound like broken records in the medical and scientific community, but for
the last two months we’ve been saying ‘We’ve got to prepare for this. We’ve
got to prepare for this. Optimize your health,’” he told CTV’s Your Morning on
March 20.

Bogoch said people should “optimize” their health by getting vaccinated for
everything that they are eligible to be vaccinated for, such as influenza or
bacterial pneumonias.

“It’s totally possible to have what’s called a co-infection and we know people
who have multiple infections at the same time can have a worse outcome,” he
said.

","There is a test that can detect the presence of COVID-19 in a patient, but
jammed health-care systems mean many Canadians may make it through the
pandemic without ever knowing if they had contracted the virus.

Canada does not have formal criteria for determining who should be tested,
meaning guidelines vary from province to province. Health-care workers are
generally advised to prioritize testing only those who are showing symptoms of
COVID-19, particularly if they are in hospitals, long-term care homes or other
institutional settings where they could easily spread the virus, as well as
symptomatic travellers entering Canada.

More than 240,000 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in Canada as of March
31.

Anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 and is concerned they may have
acquired the virus should contact their doctor or other primary health-care
provider."
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,"How do you know if you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19?","Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have few to no symptoms, according to
the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). If symptoms are present, they can
easily be mistaken for a common cold or the flu because of their similarities.

According to the health agency, the main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever,
coughing, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia in both lungs. In severe cases,
the illness can even result in death.

The World Health Organization lists additional symptoms that have been
documented in some COVID-19 patients, including tiredness, aches and pains,
sore throat, diarrhea, nausea and runny nose.

Gorfinkel said clinicians can’t distinguish between the illnesses based on
symptoms alone. She said they can all present the same way, which is why the
patient’s travel history or history of exposure to the virus is so important
in determining whether someone might have COVID-19.

“We do not have the facilities or the tests to test absolutely everybody, so
that history of travel if you’re basically otherwise well, that’s a critical
part of it,” she explained.","While the SARS-CoV-2 virus can linger on surfaces from anywhere to a couple of
hours to a few days, Dr. Isaac Bogoch said it’s not necessary to wipe down
groceries after buying them at the store.

“I think if people go to the grocery store, they get groceries, I think it’s
just fair to put them away,” he told CTV’s Your Morning.

As for fruits and vegetables, Bogoch said there is no need to take any extra
precautions with those and people can simply wash them with tap water before
eating them, as they normally should.  

"
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,Can young people fall seriously ill?,"While much of the attention about who is most vulnerable to COVID-19 has
centred on the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, [it can
also affect young people.](https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/people-
under-40-make-up-one-third-of-canada-s-covid-19-cases-1.4872884)

According to PHAC data, people in their 20s were responsible for 12 per cent
of all confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada as of March 30, and those aged 19 or
younger made up 4 per cent of the country's total caseload.

Dr. Isaac Bogoch said that everyone can be infected by the novel coronavirus
and there’s always a risk that some people will have a more severe infection.

However, he said older people and those with underlying medical conditions
still have a greater risk of a severe outcome than younger individuals.

“If we take a step back and look at the 30,000-foot view and look at who is
more likely to get a severe infection, it is overwhelmingly those over the age
of 60 and really, over the age of 80 years old,” he told CTV’s Your Morning on
March 20.

Bogoch said the most important metric to look at when studying data about
severe infections from this virus is death.

“If you get infected, you either live or you die, it sounds morbid, but I
think that’s an extremely important distinction to make and if we look at
death, it is overwhelmingly in those over 60 and disproportionately high in
those over the age of 80,” he said.","There is a test that can detect the presence of COVID-19 in a patient, but
jammed health-care systems mean many Canadians may make it through the
pandemic without ever knowing if they had contracted the virus.

Canada does not have formal criteria for determining who should be tested,
meaning guidelines vary from province to province. Health-care workers are
generally advised to prioritize testing only those who are showing symptoms of
COVID-19, particularly if they are in hospitals, long-term care homes or other
institutional settings where they could easily spread the virus, as well as
symptomatic travellers entering Canada.

More than 240,000 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in Canada as of March
31.

Anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 and is concerned they may have
acquired the virus should contact their doctor or other primary health-care
provider."
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,Should you avoid Advil and other anti-inflammatories?,"France’s health minister set off a wave of confusion when he warned that the
use of ibuprofen could become an “aggravating factor” for infection in
COVID-19 cases; however, the World Health Organization says there are no
reports to support this claim.

In an official response, the WHO said it’s not recommending against the use of
the common painkiller.

“We are also consulting with physicians treating COVID-19 patients and are not
aware of reports of any negative effects of ibuprofen, beyond the usual known
side-effects that limit its use in certain populations,” the WHO said in an
update on March 18.

Bogoch agreed with the WHO, saying there is still not enough data on the
subject.

“The short answer is we’re not entirely sure if this is going to do anything
or not. It’s unlikely to have any effect whatsoever,” he told CTV’s Your
Morning on March 19.

For individuals who suspect they may have COVID-19 and are suffering from a
low-grade fever or another type of pain, Bogoch said they can take ibuprofen
or other over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen.","COVID-19 has caused widespread destruction around the world, with even
developed nations including Italy, France and Spain reporting thousands of
deaths and completely overwhelmed health-care systems.

The situation was rapidly deteriorating into something similar in the U.S. by
March 31, with New York City's iconic Central Park [turning into a makeshift
hospital](https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/scenes-from-the-epicentre-
grim-images-from-new-york-city-1.4874424) and experts predicting [82,000
deaths](https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/82-000-people-could-die-in-
u-s-from-coronavirus-by-august-model-cited-by-white-house-1.4875601) even in a
best-case scenario.

Canada has thus far avoided the worst of the outbreak, but experts are unable
to say whether that will continue – in fact, they're [unable to offer any
credible forecasts at all](https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/when-
will-canada-pass-the-peak-of-covid-19-even-the-experts-don-t-know-1.4869852).

Projecting the spread of the virus through Canada at this point is nearly
impossible because of several factors, including uncertainty over how many
Canadians have actually been infected, unknowns around whether Canadians are
following public health recommendations well enough to curb COVID-19's spread,
and the lag time between when an infection occurs and when it is reflected in
the data.

""We don't exactly know where we are on the epidemic curve, and we don't
exactly know where we were when we started having our strong public health
response,"" Dr. Ashleigh Tuite, an expert in modelling the spread of infectious
diseases, told CTVNews.ca on March 26."
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,"If you have been in isolation because one person in your household is sick, do you have to continue to stay home for another two weeks if another person falls ill?","For people living in households with multiple residents, it may be difficult
to avoid infecting each other. Dr. Isaac Bogoch says that if someone becomes
sick with COVID-19, the best course of action is to call the local public
health authority.

“It’s extremely important to call the local public health hotline to discuss
the exact situation so they can give you very specific recommendations based
on your unique setting,” he told CTV’s Your Morning.

In general, though, it appears the answer to that question may be a 'yes.'
PHAC says that anyone who has been in contact with a suspected, probably or
confirmed case of COVID-19 should self-isolate for 14 days, starting at the
time of contact.

This approach was taken by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who entered self-
isolation with his family after Sophie Gregoire Trudeau tested positive for
the virus. Once his wife was given the all clear, the prime minister said he
would [remain in isolation](https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/trudeau-
says-he-ll-keep-self-isolating-announces-new-help-for-
charities-1.4873202)until it had been two weeks since their last contact
before the clearance.

","There is a test that can detect the presence of COVID-19 in a patient, but
jammed health-care systems mean many Canadians may make it through the
pandemic without ever knowing if they had contracted the virus.

Canada does not have formal criteria for determining who should be tested,
meaning guidelines vary from province to province. Health-care workers are
generally advised to prioritize testing only those who are showing symptoms of
COVID-19, particularly if they are in hospitals, long-term care homes or other
institutional settings where they could easily spread the virus, as well as
symptomatic travellers entering Canada.

More than 240,000 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in Canada as of March
31.

Anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 and is concerned they may have
acquired the virus should contact their doctor or other primary health-care
provider."
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,Who is getting tested?,"There is a test that can detect the presence of COVID-19 in a patient, but
jammed health-care systems mean many Canadians may make it through the
pandemic without ever knowing if they had contracted the virus.

Canada does not have formal criteria for determining who should be tested,
meaning guidelines vary from province to province. Health-care workers are
generally advised to prioritize testing only those who are showing symptoms of
COVID-19, particularly if they are in hospitals, long-term care homes or other
institutional settings where they could easily spread the virus, as well as
symptomatic travellers entering Canada.

More than 240,000 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in Canada as of March
31.

Anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 and is concerned they may have
acquired the virus should contact their doctor or other primary health-care
provider.","While it’s still unclear if someone can contract the new coronavirus more than
once, it is possible to have more than one different virus at the same time.

Dr. Isaac Bogoch said it’s absolutely possible for someone to have COVID-19
and a strain of the flu or another virus simultaneously.

“We sound like broken records in the medical and scientific community, but for
the last two months we’ve been saying ‘We’ve got to prepare for this. We’ve
got to prepare for this. Optimize your health,’” he told CTV’s Your Morning on
March 20.

Bogoch said people should “optimize” their health by getting vaccinated for
everything that they are eligible to be vaccinated for, such as influenza or
bacterial pneumonias.

“It’s totally possible to have what’s called a co-infection and we know people
who have multiple infections at the same time can have a worse outcome,” he
said.

"
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,Can you still gather with friends in small groups?,"As physical distancing recommendations have evolved, it has become clear that
authorities do not want anyone to get close to anyone from outside their
household unless absolutely necessary.

""Stay home"" has become the refrain from political and public health leaders
seeking to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infectiuons.

""Physical distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce
the spread of illness during an outbreak,"" PHAC says on its website, which
recommends that all Canadians avoid ""non-essential"" gatherings.

Gorfinkel said people should aim to avoid all unnecessary contact with
individuals to prevent further spread in their communities.

“Stop the spread because so many people have mild symptoms. That’s the
problem,” she said. “They’re the source where the majority of cases are going
to come from.”","While the SARS-CoV-2 virus can linger on surfaces from anywhere to a couple of
hours to a few days, Dr. Isaac Bogoch said it’s not necessary to wipe down
groceries after buying them at the store.

“I think if people go to the grocery store, they get groceries, I think it’s
just fair to put them away,” he told CTV’s Your Morning.

As for fruits and vegetables, Bogoch said there is no need to take any extra
precautions with those and people can simply wash them with tap water before
eating them, as they normally should.  

"
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,"Do previous immunizations, such as the flu shot, help protect against COVID-19?","While there have been suggestions that a regular flu shot can help protect
individuals against COVID-19, Bogoch said that’s not true.

“They do not protect against this particular infection. They do not protect
against COVID-19,” he said.

However, Bogoch stressed that vaccinations such as the flu shot are still
extremely important for optimizing health.

“We should be up to date on all our routine vaccinations, our pneumonia
vaccines, our flu vaccines, our regular vaccines, so that we can ensure that
our health is optimized in case we come down with an infection,” he said.","With public health officials warning that Canadians must adhere to physical
distancing policies in order to “flatten the curve” of infections, as Hong
Kong and Singapore successfully did, other experts are expressing concerns
about a “second wave” of infections after those regions experienced another
spike in cases when they relaxed some of those measures.

Bogoch said that it’s possible Canada will experience a similar fate, if
people aren’t diligent about maintaining isolation and physical distancing
orders.

“If we take our foot off the gas pedal, when we start to lift some of these
measures because we start to see the curve flattening, we have to be prepared
that there might be a second spike in cases,” he explained.  

"
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,Should seniors and children be separated if they live in the same home?,"While children appear to be less affected by the virus, elderly people and
those with other medical issues are more at risk of suffering a severe outcome
from a COVID-19 infection. For families that have both seniors and young
children living under the same roof, Bogoch said they should take care to
separate them if anyone shows symptoms. However, he said that should be the
case for anyone who is living with others and exhibits any symptoms, such as
fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

“You just have to be very mindful if anyone has any symptoms whatsoever they
should be separated,” he said.","While there have been suggestions that a regular flu shot can help protect
individuals against COVID-19, Bogoch said that’s not true.

“They do not protect against this particular infection. They do not protect
against COVID-19,” he said.

However, Bogoch stressed that vaccinations such as the flu shot are still
extremely important for optimizing health.

“We should be up to date on all our routine vaccinations, our pneumonia
vaccines, our flu vaccines, our regular vaccines, so that we can ensure that
our health is optimized in case we come down with an infection,” he said."
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,How can caregivers protect themselves while helping someone with COVID-19 at home?,"For people who are caring for a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19,
the Public Health Agency of Canada has a number of tips on how they can
protect themselves while they provide care.

According to PHAC, only one healthy person should provide care to the
individual with COVID-19, and that person should limit their contact with them
as much as possible. They should also not share personal items with them, such
as toothbrushes, towels, bed linen, utensils or electronic devices. The ill
person should have their own bathroom, if possible. If not, they should put
the toilet lid down every time before flushing.

Caregivers should wear a mask, disposable gloves, and eye protection when
they’re in close proximity to the patient and never reuse the mask or gloves.
They should also frequently wash their hands with soap and water, especially
after contact with the sick individual.

What’s more, caregivers should remain vigilant about monitoring themselves for
symptoms for 14 days.","As physical distancing recommendations have evolved, it has become clear that
authorities do not want anyone to get close to anyone from outside their
household unless absolutely necessary.

""Stay home"" has become the refrain from political and public health leaders
seeking to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infectiuons.

""Physical distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce
the spread of illness during an outbreak,"" PHAC says on its website, which
recommends that all Canadians avoid ""non-essential"" gatherings.

Gorfinkel said people should aim to avoid all unnecessary contact with
individuals to prevent further spread in their communities.

“Stop the spread because so many people have mild symptoms. That’s the
problem,” she said. “They’re the source where the majority of cases are going
to come from.”"
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,Should you wipe down all of your groceries when you return from the store?,"While the SARS-CoV-2 virus can linger on surfaces from anywhere to a couple of
hours to a few days, Dr. Isaac Bogoch said it’s not necessary to wipe down
groceries after buying them at the store.

“I think if people go to the grocery store, they get groceries, I think it’s
just fair to put them away,” he told CTV’s Your Morning.

As for fruits and vegetables, Bogoch said there is no need to take any extra
precautions with those and people can simply wash them with tap water before
eating them, as they normally should.  

","With public health officials warning that Canadians must adhere to physical
distancing policies in order to “flatten the curve” of infections, as Hong
Kong and Singapore successfully did, other experts are expressing concerns
about a “second wave” of infections after those regions experienced another
spike in cases when they relaxed some of those measures.

Bogoch said that it’s possible Canada will experience a similar fate, if
people aren’t diligent about maintaining isolation and physical distancing
orders.

“If we take our foot off the gas pedal, when we start to lift some of these
measures because we start to see the curve flattening, we have to be prepared
that there might be a second spike in cases,” he explained.  

"
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,How bad will things get in Canada?,"COVID-19 has caused widespread destruction around the world, with even
developed nations including Italy, France and Spain reporting thousands of
deaths and completely overwhelmed health-care systems.

The situation was rapidly deteriorating into something similar in the U.S. by
March 31, with New York City's iconic Central Park [turning into a makeshift
hospital](https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/scenes-from-the-epicentre-
grim-images-from-new-york-city-1.4874424) and experts predicting [82,000
deaths](https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/82-000-people-could-die-in-
u-s-from-coronavirus-by-august-model-cited-by-white-house-1.4875601) even in a
best-case scenario.

Canada has thus far avoided the worst of the outbreak, but experts are unable
to say whether that will continue – in fact, they're [unable to offer any
credible forecasts at all](https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/when-
will-canada-pass-the-peak-of-covid-19-even-the-experts-don-t-know-1.4869852).

Projecting the spread of the virus through Canada at this point is nearly
impossible because of several factors, including uncertainty over how many
Canadians have actually been infected, unknowns around whether Canadians are
following public health recommendations well enough to curb COVID-19's spread,
and the lag time between when an infection occurs and when it is reflected in
the data.

""We don't exactly know where we are on the epidemic curve, and we don't
exactly know where we were when we started having our strong public health
response,"" Dr. Ashleigh Tuite, an expert in modelling the spread of infectious
diseases, told CTVNews.ca on March 26.","As physical distancing recommendations have evolved, it has become clear that
authorities do not want anyone to get close to anyone from outside their
household unless absolutely necessary.

""Stay home"" has become the refrain from political and public health leaders
seeking to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infectiuons.

""Physical distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce
the spread of illness during an outbreak,"" PHAC says on its website, which
recommends that all Canadians avoid ""non-essential"" gatherings.

Gorfinkel said people should aim to avoid all unnecessary contact with
individuals to prevent further spread in their communities.

“Stop the spread because so many people have mild symptoms. That’s the
problem,” she said. “They’re the source where the majority of cases are going
to come from.”"
CTV,https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-q-a-transmission-testing-who-s-at-risk-and-more-1.4856659,Will there be a second wave of infections?,"With public health officials warning that Canadians must adhere to physical
distancing policies in order to “flatten the curve” of infections, as Hong
Kong and Singapore successfully did, other experts are expressing concerns
about a “second wave” of infections after those regions experienced another
spike in cases when they relaxed some of those measures.

Bogoch said that it’s possible Canada will experience a similar fate, if
people aren’t diligent about maintaining isolation and physical distancing
orders.

“If we take our foot off the gas pedal, when we start to lift some of these
measures because we start to see the curve flattening, we have to be prepared
that there might be a second spike in cases,” he explained.  

","France’s health minister set off a wave of confusion when he warned that the
use of ibuprofen could become an “aggravating factor” for infection in
COVID-19 cases; however, the World Health Organization says there are no
reports to support this claim.

In an official response, the WHO said it’s not recommending against the use of
the common painkiller.

“We are also consulting with physicians treating COVID-19 patients and are not
aware of reports of any negative effects of ibuprofen, beyond the usual known
side-effects that limit its use in certain populations,” the WHO said in an
update on March 18.

Bogoch agreed with the WHO, saying there is still not enough data on the
subject.

“The short answer is we’re not entirely sure if this is going to do anything
or not. It’s unlikely to have any effect whatsoever,” he told CTV’s Your
Morning on March 19.

For individuals who suspect they may have COVID-19 and are suffering from a
low-grade fever or another type of pain, Bogoch said they can take ibuprofen
or other over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b22,What is Coronavirus?,"Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes disease in animals. Often the symptoms of the virus are those of the common cold. Covid-19 is a strain of coronavirus that is new to humans, hence it's called a novel (or new) virus.","According to the most recent report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of hospitalizations and deaths were greatest among those between 65 - 74. Yet 20% of those hospitalized for severe symptoms of Covid-19 were between the ages of 20-44 years.  "
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b23,How did it start?,"The virus is one of the few that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is believed to have originated in bats, which perhaps infected live animals and seafood sold at a ""wet market"" in Wuhan, a crowded, not so sanitary dense marketplace. Bats are also hosts for Ebola, HIV, and rabies.

The first person who contracted the virus on December 1, 2019, had no connection to the outdoor market, making it unclear how he contracted it in the first place. 

Others who shopped there came down with viral pneumonia from Covid-19.","Yep. If you use the PPP loan for one of the purposes listed above for the eight weeks following the inception of the loan, it is forgiven. In the added guidance given by the SBA yesterday, they mention that “it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.” For the PPP, you’ll need to apply for forgiveness with your lender that is servicing your loan.
Similarly, the $10,000 advance (which should be coming to those of you that applied on Monday pretty soon) is not required to be repaid, even if you’re denied additional funds. It’s a little ambiguous to me whether you’re required to use the funds to pay the above expenses (it says “may”). Currently, I'm relying on the interpretation of the US Chamber of Commerce. We will learn more as additional guidance comes out and the grants start getting disbursed, which will be soon."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b24,How does Coronavirus get transmitted?,Covid-19 can be passed from person to person through droplets from coughs and sneezes. ,"Yes! In a recent webinar, Alex Contreras, Director of Preparedness, Communication & Coordination at the Office of Disaster Assistance at the SBA said that they will try to be flexible and that even a bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily disqualify you. Additionally, there are no application, guarantee or prepayment fees, so there’s no harm in applying. Even if you don’t qualify for additional funds, you can still get the grant."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b25,How to protect yourself from Covid-19,"As Covid-19 is spread through droplets, it can reach us through the air. Therefore, maintain social distancing, which means remaining 6 feet away from others.  Ideally, you shouldn't touch any surface on which droplets may have landed. The best way to protect yourself from exposed surfaces is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a count of 20. The children’s book Coronavirus You Can’t Scare Me teaches kids through pictures and rhyme:

I wash my hands throughout the day/ And count from one to twenty/ The palms, the backs, the fingernails/ With soap and water plenty.

Coronavirus You Can’t Scare Me written by the author
The best way to ensure you're doing all the above is to stay home if you can. Talk to your friends and family on the phone, social media, Skype or Zoom.","As Covid-19 is spread through droplets, it can reach us through the air. Therefore, maintain social distancing, which means remaining 6 feet away from others.  Ideally, you shouldn't touch any surface on which droplets may have landed. The best way to protect yourself from exposed surfaces is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a count of 20. The children’s book Coronavirus You Can’t Scare Me teaches kids through pictures and rhyme:

I wash my hands throughout the day/ And count from one to twenty/ The palms, the backs, the fingernails/ With soap and water plenty.

Coronavirus You Can’t Scare Me written by the author
The best way to ensure you're doing all the above is to stay home if you can. Talk to your friends and family on the phone, social media, Skype or Zoom."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b26,Why do I have to stay at home?,"Staying home prevents you from contracting the virus. But, more than that, it prevents you from transmitting the virus to others. Governments, health organizations and medical professionals are urging us to stay at home to flatten the curve.  ","This is the formula to figure out if your loan forgiveness under PPP will be reduced. I like the US. Chamber of Commerce illustration for figuring this out. You take your payroll costs and multiply them by a fraction. The top half of the fraction has the average number of full-time equivalent employees (FTE) per month for the eight weeks beginning on loan origination. The bottom half has either the average number of FTEs per month from February 15, 2019 to June 30, 2019 OR the average number of FTEs per month from January 1, 2020 to February 29, 2020. Seasonal employers use February 15, 2019 to June 30, 2019."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b27,What exactly does it mean to flatten the curve?,"Flattening the curve refers to the rate at which people are getting infected. Without intervention, the number of individuals who contract Covid-19 rises exponentially, which means it doubles at a constant rate — in this case, every three days. At such a rate, the number of infected individuals will overwhelm our hospital system, because we simply don't have enough hospital beds and respirators to treat them all. The United States doesn't even have enough protective equipment at present to protect its own health care workers. 

Doing the math, if one person is infected with the virus on Jan 1, with the number of people infected people doubling every 3 days, then by March 31, over 1 billion people will have become infected. With the world population being around 7.8 billion, it would only take until April 9 for all of us to be infected.

The situation in Italy has shown us that, without enough equipment, hospitals will be compelled to turn away some of the most infirmed among us, resulting in increased fatalities.  

Staying home does not prevent you from contracting the virus down the line, but from contracting the virus and overwhelming the medical establishment now. Postponing exposure buys time for the scientific and medical community to develop effective treatments or a vaccine to minimize or protect against infection.","This is the formula to figure out if your loan forgiveness under PPP will be reduced. I like the US. Chamber of Commerce illustration for figuring this out. You take your payroll costs and multiply them by a fraction. The top half of the fraction has the average number of full-time equivalent employees (FTE) per month for the eight weeks beginning on loan origination. The bottom half has either the average number of FTEs per month from February 15, 2019 to June 30, 2019 OR the average number of FTEs per month from January 1, 2020 to February 29, 2020. Seasonal employers use February 15, 2019 to June 30, 2019."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b28,"I hear it is only dangerous in older people and those with compromised immune systems.
","According to the most recent report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of hospitalizations and deaths were greatest among those between 65 - 74. Yet 20% of those hospitalized for severe symptoms of Covid-19 were between the ages of 20-44 years.  ",Symptoms show up 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b29,What is the incubation period?,Symptoms show up 14 days after exposure to the virus.,"As Covid-19 is spread through droplets, it can reach us through the air. Therefore, maintain social distancing, which means remaining 6 feet away from others.  Ideally, you shouldn't touch any surface on which droplets may have landed. The best way to protect yourself from exposed surfaces is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a count of 20. The children’s book Coronavirus You Can’t Scare Me teaches kids through pictures and rhyme:

I wash my hands throughout the day/ And count from one to twenty/ The palms, the backs, the fingernails/ With soap and water plenty.

Coronavirus You Can’t Scare Me written by the author
The best way to ensure you're doing all the above is to stay home if you can. Talk to your friends and family on the phone, social media, Skype or Zoom."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b30,Symptoms of Covid-19,"The most common symptoms reported are cough, fever, and shortness of breath. For some, these symptoms lead to respiratory distress and pneumonia. Other symptoms reported by those who have been infected are severe aches and pains, chills and a temporary loss of smell (and taste). Some people who contract Covid-19 experience no symptoms at all.","Tests are limited and most state and local health authorities will tell you not to get tested, even if you have symptoms, unless:

You have symptoms and were recently in contact with someone who tested positive for Coronavirus.
You have symptoms and need to be hospitalized.
Cotton swabs and tests are in short supply, so if you do not fall into the above two categories, chances are your doctor will not order a test.  

Still, if you have symptoms, call your medical doctor to be advised on how to proceed. You most likely will be directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.

For all of us, stay safe, stay home, keep your distance, wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, and cover your coughs and sneezes."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b31,Testing for Covid-19,"The most common test for Covid-19 is an invasive nasal swab inserted all the way back to your nasal pharyngeal region, where the respiratory tract meets the back of your throat, where cells are collected.  ","Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes disease in animals. Often the symptoms of the virus are those of the common cold. Covid-19 is a strain of coronavirus that is new to humans, hence it's called a novel (or new) virus."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b32,Who should get tested?,"Tests are limited and most state and local health authorities will tell you not to get tested, even if you have symptoms, unless:

You have symptoms and were recently in contact with someone who tested positive for Coronavirus.
You have symptoms and need to be hospitalized.
Cotton swabs and tests are in short supply, so if you do not fall into the above two categories, chances are your doctor will not order a test.  

Still, if you have symptoms, call your medical doctor to be advised on how to proceed. You most likely will be directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.

For all of us, stay safe, stay home, keep your distance, wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, and cover your coughs and sneezes.","This was the most commonly asked question. The CARES Act not only provides relief for small business owners through loans but also allows the self-employed, independent contractors and part-time workers to collect unemployment benefits.
That initially seemed like double dipping to me. But as a colleague in the Twitterverse pointed out, it could make sense if your unemployment is covering personal expenses while your EIDL and/or PPP is covering other operating expenses. For example, if you are a restaurant owner, you have to pay for a mortgage, paid leave and supply chain disruptions, while we all wait out stay-at-home orders. But you also have to buy groceries and pay your home utility bills. If you can only get a loan to cover business expenses, you may still need unemployment benefits to pay your personal expenses.
Keep in mind, the details for unemployment benefits — eligibility rules, benefit amounts, length of payments, etc. — vary from state to state. In Illinois, for instance, to maintain your eligibility for unemployment, you must be able to work, you have to be available to accept a job and you have to be looking for work. If the additional loan funds allow you to keep running your business, it may be hard to demonstrate that you’re out of work.
I’ve already heard from a few self-employed people who have applied for unemployment—and had widely varying results. Most likely the rules will become clearer in time, as the states decide what will and won’t be allowed."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/04/01/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-cares-business-loans/#5668f99a5767,Can I get these loans and unemployment?,"This was the most commonly asked question. The CARES Act not only provides relief for small business owners through loans but also allows the self-employed, independent contractors and part-time workers to collect unemployment benefits.
That initially seemed like double dipping to me. But as a colleague in the Twitterverse pointed out, it could make sense if your unemployment is covering personal expenses while your EIDL and/or PPP is covering other operating expenses. For example, if you are a restaurant owner, you have to pay for a mortgage, paid leave and supply chain disruptions, while we all wait out stay-at-home orders. But you also have to buy groceries and pay your home utility bills. If you can only get a loan to cover business expenses, you may still need unemployment benefits to pay your personal expenses.
Keep in mind, the details for unemployment benefits — eligibility rules, benefit amounts, length of payments, etc. — vary from state to state. In Illinois, for instance, to maintain your eligibility for unemployment, you must be able to work, you have to be available to accept a job and you have to be looking for work. If the additional loan funds allow you to keep running your business, it may be hard to demonstrate that you’re out of work.
I’ve already heard from a few self-employed people who have applied for unemployment—and had widely varying results. Most likely the rules will become clearer in time, as the states decide what will and won’t be allowed.","According to the most recent report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of hospitalizations and deaths were greatest among those between 65 - 74. Yet 20% of those hospitalized for severe symptoms of Covid-19 were between the ages of 20-44 years.  "
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/04/01/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-cares-business-loans/#5668f99a5767,Can I get an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and a Paycheck Protection Program Loan (PPP)?,"Yes, you can get both loans, but the key is to use the money to cover different expenses. Section 1102(a)(2)(G), the section outlining the PPP loans, explains the borrower requirements. It says the borrower has to certify that “the eligible recipient has not received amounts under this subsection for the same purpose and duplicative amounts.”
As a reminder, EIDLs can be used to cover:

Paid sick leave to employees unable to work due to the direct effect of COVID-19. Maintain payroll Increased costs due to supply chain disruption Rent or mortgage payments Repaying obligations that cannot be met due to revenue loss

PPP loan funds can be used to cover:

Payroll costs Group health care benefits during periods of paid, sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums. Interest on a mortgage obligation Rent, under lease agreements in force before February 15, 2020 Utilities, for which service began before February 15, 2020 Interest on any debt incurred before February 15, 2020

So, if you’re getting an EIDL to cover payroll expenses, you can’t get a PPP to cover payroll for the length of the forgiveness period (eight weeks from when the loan is due). You would have to use the EIDL for different operating expenses or payroll for a different period. This will also go for other state or local assistance.
That being said, you don’t have to have both. If you’ve already gotten an EIDL for payroll purposes but just want the PPP loan, you can refinance the loan into a PPP. Any amount that was given to you as a grant under the EIDL will reduce the amount forgiven under PPP.","Flattening the curve refers to the rate at which people are getting infected. Without intervention, the number of individuals who contract Covid-19 rises exponentially, which means it doubles at a constant rate — in this case, every three days. At such a rate, the number of infected individuals will overwhelm our hospital system, because we simply don't have enough hospital beds and respirators to treat them all. The United States doesn't even have enough protective equipment at present to protect its own health care workers. 

Doing the math, if one person is infected with the virus on Jan 1, with the number of people infected people doubling every 3 days, then by March 31, over 1 billion people will have become infected. With the world population being around 7.8 billion, it would only take until April 9 for all of us to be infected.

The situation in Italy has shown us that, without enough equipment, hospitals will be compelled to turn away some of the most infirmed among us, resulting in increased fatalities.  

Staying home does not prevent you from contracting the virus down the line, but from contracting the virus and overwhelming the medical establishment now. Postponing exposure buys time for the scientific and medical community to develop effective treatments or a vaccine to minimize or protect against infection."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/04/01/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-cares-business-loans/#5668f99a5767,I work by myself and pay contractors. Do I still have payroll?,"Many sole proprietors or independent contractors have wondered what counts as payroll, if they don’t have any employees. Section 1102(a)(2)(A)(viii)(bb) expands the definition of payroll costs to include “the sum of payments of any compensation to or income of a sole proprietor or independent contractor that is a wage, commission, income, net earnings from self-employment or similar compensation that is not more than $100,000.”
In its most recent guidance, the SBA clarified that while income of sole proprietors and independent contractors count as payroll, payments to independent contractors do not count: “independent contractors have the ability to apply for a PPP loan on their own so they do not count for purposes of a borrower’s PPP loan calculation.”
Payroll also includes payment of compensation to employees for:

Salary, wages, commission (not to exceed $100,000) Cash tips or equivalent Vacation, parental, family, medical or sick leave Severance or separation pay and any retirement benefit Group health care benefit pay including insurance premiums State and local tax on the compensation of employees","Tests are limited and most state and local health authorities will tell you not to get tested, even if you have symptoms, unless:

You have symptoms and were recently in contact with someone who tested positive for Coronavirus.
You have symptoms and need to be hospitalized.
Cotton swabs and tests are in short supply, so if you do not fall into the above two categories, chances are your doctor will not order a test.  

Still, if you have symptoms, call your medical doctor to be advised on how to proceed. You most likely will be directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.

For all of us, stay safe, stay home, keep your distance, wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, and cover your coughs and sneezes."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/04/01/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-cares-business-loans/#5668f99a5767,What is this eight-week formula everyone keeps talking about?,"This is the formula to figure out if your loan forgiveness under PPP will be reduced. I like the US. Chamber of Commerce illustration for figuring this out. You take your payroll costs and multiply them by a fraction. The top half of the fraction has the average number of full-time equivalent employees (FTE) per month for the eight weeks beginning on loan origination. The bottom half has either the average number of FTEs per month from February 15, 2019 to June 30, 2019 OR the average number of FTEs per month from January 1, 2020 to February 29, 2020. Seasonal employers use February 15, 2019 to June 30, 2019.","Flattening the curve refers to the rate at which people are getting infected. Without intervention, the number of individuals who contract Covid-19 rises exponentially, which means it doubles at a constant rate — in this case, every three days. At such a rate, the number of infected individuals will overwhelm our hospital system, because we simply don't have enough hospital beds and respirators to treat them all. The United States doesn't even have enough protective equipment at present to protect its own health care workers. 

Doing the math, if one person is infected with the virus on Jan 1, with the number of people infected people doubling every 3 days, then by March 31, over 1 billion people will have become infected. With the world population being around 7.8 billion, it would only take until April 9 for all of us to be infected.

The situation in Italy has shown us that, without enough equipment, hospitals will be compelled to turn away some of the most infirmed among us, resulting in increased fatalities.  

Staying home does not prevent you from contracting the virus down the line, but from contracting the virus and overwhelming the medical establishment now. Postponing exposure buys time for the scientific and medical community to develop effective treatments or a vaccine to minimize or protect against infection."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/04/01/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-cares-business-loans/#5668f99a5767,"Is it REALLY all forgiven, if used appropriately?","Yep. If you use the PPP loan for one of the purposes listed above for the eight weeks following the inception of the loan, it is forgiven. In the added guidance given by the SBA yesterday, they mention that “it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.” For the PPP, you’ll need to apply for forgiveness with your lender that is servicing your loan.
Similarly, the $10,000 advance (which should be coming to those of you that applied on Monday pretty soon) is not required to be repaid, even if you’re denied additional funds. It’s a little ambiguous to me whether you’re required to use the funds to pay the above expenses (it says “may”). Currently, I'm relying on the interpretation of the US Chamber of Commerce. We will learn more as additional guidance comes out and the grants start getting disbursed, which will be soon.","Tests are limited and most state and local health authorities will tell you not to get tested, even if you have symptoms, unless:

You have symptoms and were recently in contact with someone who tested positive for Coronavirus.
You have symptoms and need to be hospitalized.
Cotton swabs and tests are in short supply, so if you do not fall into the above two categories, chances are your doctor will not order a test.  

Still, if you have symptoms, call your medical doctor to be advised on how to proceed. You most likely will be directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.

For all of us, stay safe, stay home, keep your distance, wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, and cover your coughs and sneezes."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/04/01/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-cares-business-loans/#5668f99a5767,"Alright, I’m in! Where do I apply?","The online application for EIDLs has been open since Monday. You can find it here. The feedback I’ve received so far is that it takes less than 30 minutes. You’ll need a profit and loss from January 31, 2019 – January 31, 2020. You’ll also need to unfreeze your credit report if you’ve frozen it. The SBA determines initial loan size based on your credit score, not your ability to pay.
You apply for the PPP through your local bank. Yesterday, the SBA offered a specific timeline for different applications.

Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are approved and enrolled in the program.

Just because your date isn’t here yet, it doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for the process. You can find SBA lenders here. You can find the sample PPP application here.","Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes disease in animals. Often the symptoms of the virus are those of the common cold. Covid-19 is a strain of coronavirus that is new to humans, hence it's called a novel (or new) virus."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/04/01/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-cares-business-loans/#5668f99a5767,I applied for EIDLs before the CARES Act went into effect. Should I apply again?,Yes. The SBA has specifically stated business owners looking for the grant need to apply through the new application that went up on Monday.,"The online application for EIDLs has been open since Monday. You can find it here. The feedback I’ve received so far is that it takes less than 30 minutes. You’ll need a profit and loss from January 31, 2019 – January 31, 2020. You’ll also need to unfreeze your credit report if you’ve frozen it. The SBA determines initial loan size based on your credit score, not your ability to pay.
You apply for the PPP through your local bank. Yesterday, the SBA offered a specific timeline for different applications.

Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are approved and enrolled in the program.

Just because your date isn’t here yet, it doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for the process. You can find SBA lenders here. You can find the sample PPP application here."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/04/01/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-cares-business-loans/#5668f99a5767,I heard EIDLs are based on credit and mine isn’t that great. Should I still apply?,"Yes! In a recent webinar, Alex Contreras, Director of Preparedness, Communication & Coordination at the Office of Disaster Assistance at the SBA said that they will try to be flexible and that even a bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily disqualify you. Additionally, there are no application, guarantee or prepayment fees, so there’s no harm in applying. Even if you don’t qualify for additional funds, you can still get the grant.","Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes disease in animals. Often the symptoms of the virus are those of the common cold. Covid-19 is a strain of coronavirus that is new to humans, hence it's called a novel (or new) virus."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2020/04/01/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-cares-business-loans/#5668f99a5767,Is this really real? This seems like too much of a good thing.,"It’s definitely real. And it’s also a lot to juggle when you’re also dealing with a pandemic. I hope this helps. We will learn a lot more as things start to play out., so I’ll continue to update as we go along. I’d love to hear your success or challenges. You can message me at the links below.",Yes. The SBA has specifically stated business owners looking for the grant need to apply through the new application that went up on Monday.
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b23,How did it start?,"The virus is one of the few that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is believed to have originated in bats, which perhaps infected live animals and seafood sold at a ""wet market"" in Wuhan, a crowded, not so sanitary dense marketplace. Bats are also hosts for Ebola, HIV, and rabies.

The first person who contracted the virus on December 1, 2019, had no connection to the outdoor market, making it unclear how he contracted it in the first place. 

Others who shopped there came down with viral pneumonia from Covid-19.","The virus is one of the few that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is believed to have originated in bats, which perhaps infected live animals and seafood sold at a ""wet market"" in Wuhan, a crowded, not so sanitary dense marketplace. Bats are also hosts for Ebola, HIV, and rabies.

The first person who contracted the virus on December 1, 2019, had no connection to the outdoor market, making it unclear how he contracted it in the first place. 

Others who shopped there came down with viral pneumonia from Covid-19."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b24,How does Coronavirus get transmitted?,Covid-19 can be passed from person to person through droplets from coughs and sneezes.,"Tests are limited and most state and local health authorities will tell you not to get tested, even if you have symptoms, unless:

You have symptoms and were recently in contact with someone who tested positive for Coronavirus.
You have symptoms and need to be hospitalized.
Cotton swabs and tests are in short supply, so if you do not fall into the above two categories, chances are your doctor will not order a test.  

Still, if you have symptoms, call your medical doctor to be advised on how to proceed. You most likely will be directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.

For all of us, stay safe, stay home, keep your distance, wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, and cover your coughs and sneezes."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b25,How to protect yourself from Covid-19,"As Covid-19 is spread through droplets, it can reach us through the air. Therefore, maintain social distancing, which means remaining 6 feet away from others.  Ideally, you shouldn't touch any surface on which droplets may have landed. The best way to protect yourself from exposed surfaces is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a count of 20. The children’s book Coronavirus You Can’t Scare Me teaches kids through pictures and rhyme:

I wash my hands throughout the day/ And count from one to twenty/ The palms, the backs, the fingernails/ With soap and water plenty.

Coronavirus You Can’t Scare Me written by the author
The best way to ensure you're doing all the above is to stay home if you can. Talk to your friends and family on the phone, social media, Skype or Zoom.","The virus is one of the few that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is believed to have originated in bats, which perhaps infected live animals and seafood sold at a ""wet market"" in Wuhan, a crowded, not so sanitary dense marketplace. Bats are also hosts for Ebola, HIV, and rabies.

The first person who contracted the virus on December 1, 2019, had no connection to the outdoor market, making it unclear how he contracted it in the first place. 

Others who shopped there came down with viral pneumonia from Covid-19."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b27,What exactly does it mean to flatten the curve?,"Flattening the curve refers to the rate at which people are getting infected. Without intervention, the number of individuals who contract Covid-19 rises exponentially, which means it doubles at a constant rate — in this case, every three days. At such a rate, the number of infected individuals will overwhelm our hospital system, because we simply don't have enough hospital beds and respirators to treat them all. The United States doesn't even have enough protective equipment at present to protect its own health care workers. 

Doing the math, if one person is infected with the virus on Jan 1, with the number of people infected people doubling every 3 days, then by March 31, over 1 billion people will have become infected. With the world population being around 7.8 billion, it would only take until April 9 for all of us to be infected.

The situation in Italy has shown us that, without enough equipment, hospitals will be compelled to turn away some of the most infirmed among us, resulting in increased fatalities.  

Staying home does not prevent you from contracting the virus down the line, but from contracting the virus and overwhelming the medical establishment now. Postponing exposure buys time for the scientific and medical community to develop effective treatments or a vaccine to minimize or protect against infection.","As Covid-19 is spread through droplets, it can reach us through the air. Therefore, maintain social distancing, which means remaining 6 feet away from others.  Ideally, you shouldn't touch any surface on which droplets may have landed. The best way to protect yourself from exposed surfaces is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a count of 20. The children’s book Coronavirus You Can’t Scare Me teaches kids through pictures and rhyme:

I wash my hands throughout the day/ And count from one to twenty/ The palms, the backs, the fingernails/ With soap and water plenty.

Coronavirus You Can’t Scare Me written by the author
The best way to ensure you're doing all the above is to stay home if you can. Talk to your friends and family on the phone, social media, Skype or Zoom."
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b28,"I hear it is only dangerous in older people and those with compromised immune systems.
","According to the most recent report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of hospitalizations and deaths were greatest among those between 65 - 74. Yet 20% of those hospitalized for severe symptoms of Covid-19 were between the ages of 20-44 years.  ",Symptoms show up 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Forbes,https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniefine/2020/03/23/answers-to-11-of-your-most-burning-questions-about-the-coronavirus-covid-19/#2f60f9586b32,Who should get tested?,"Tests are limited and most state and local health authorities will tell you not to get tested, even if you have symptoms, unless:

You have symptoms and were recently in contact with someone who tested positive for Coronavirus.
You have symptoms and need to be hospitalized.
Cotton swabs and tests are in short supply, so if you do not fall into the above two categories, chances are your doctor will not order a test.  

Still, if you have symptoms, call your medical doctor to be advised on how to proceed. You most likely will be directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.

For all of us, stay safe, stay home, keep your distance, wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, and cover your coughs and sneezes.","Tests are limited and most state and local health authorities will tell you not to get tested, even if you have symptoms, unless:

You have symptoms and were recently in contact with someone who tested positive for Coronavirus.
You have symptoms and need to be hospitalized.
Cotton swabs and tests are in short supply, so if you do not fall into the above two categories, chances are your doctor will not order a test.  

Still, if you have symptoms, call your medical doctor to be advised on how to proceed. You most likely will be directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.

For all of us, stay safe, stay home, keep your distance, wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, and cover your coughs and sneezes."
LA Times,https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-24/coronavirus-kids-q-a-2,What happens to the coronavirus when it stops spreading? Does it disappear?,The coronavirus that is keeping us all at home started off in animals and then jumped to humans. Scientists say that when it stops spreading in humans it won’t totally disappear. It will still probably be around in animals.,"Doctors say it is unlikely that the coronavirus would make you sick twice, especially if your body does a good job fighting it the first time."
LA Times,https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-24/coronavirus-kids-q-a-3,What if the Corona virus gets to an old person who gives it to a 10-year-old. How strong will the virus be in the 10-year-old?,"The exact same virus affects different people in different ways. It can make an older person very sick and hardly get a 10-year-old sick at all. Researchers don’t know why that is yet, but they are working hard to find out.","Doctors say it is unlikely that the coronavirus would make you sick twice, especially if your body does a good job fighting it the first time."
LA Times,https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-24/coronavirus-kids-q-a-4,Can the virus affect any other part of your body besides your lungs?,"Yes. The virus can also affect your nose and throat, your blood, and maybe your stomach and intestines too. In kids, the virus is most likely to affect your nose and throat.",The coronavirus that is keeping us all at home started off in animals and then jumped to humans. Scientists say that when it stops spreading in humans it won’t totally disappear. It will still probably be around in animals.
LA Times,https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-24/coronavirus-kids-q-a-5,"If you were infected with the virus, you had treatment and recovered. Can the virus return?","Doctors say it is unlikely that the coronavirus would make you sick twice, especially if your body does a good job fighting it the first time.","Yes. The virus can also affect your nose and throat, your blood, and maybe your stomach and intestines too. In kids, the virus is most likely to affect your nose and throat."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?,"Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news. 


 
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:


 
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. 



Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. 



Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. 



Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19. 



Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. 


 
Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections. 


 
Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease. Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.",Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air.
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading,"Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)
Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people.
Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses. 


If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.","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."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?,"While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings are available.","Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.
Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.
Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).
Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side).
Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.
Pull down the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.
After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.
Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use.
Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask – Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,What Is COVID-19?,"COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.","While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,How likely am I to catch COVID-19?,"The risk depends on where you are - and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there.

For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings. Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.

COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can emerge rapidly. It’s important to be aware of the situation where you are or intend to go.","It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Should I wear a mask to protect myself?,"Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.

WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources and mis-use of masks.

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing.",No. There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?,No. There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.,"Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)
Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people.
Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses. 


If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,How Does COVID-19 Spread?,"People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share updated findings.","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."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?,"The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.","The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the period of transmission of COVID-19 and will continue to share updated findings."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,What Are The Symptoms Of COVID-19?,"The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.","Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)
Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people.
Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses. 


If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Is there anything I should not do?,"The following measures are not effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful:

Smoking, 
wearing multiple masks,
taking antibiotics. 
In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be sure to share your recent travel history with your health care provider.","The risk depends on where you are - and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there.

For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings. Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.

COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can emerge rapidly. It’s important to be aware of the situation where you are or intend to go."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Is COVID-19 the same as SARS?,"No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other genetically, but the diseases they cause are quite different.

SARS was more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19. There have been no outbreaks of SARS anywhere in the world since 2003.","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."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be transmitted through the air?,Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air.,No. There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,How long does the virus survive on surfaces?,"It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.","Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.

WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources and mis-use of masks.

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Can humans become infected with the COVID-19 from an animal source?,"Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Occasionally, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed. 

To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.","While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Can CoVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms?,"The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the period of transmission of COVID-19 and will continue to share updated findings.","Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.
Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.
Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).
Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side).
Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.
Pull down the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.
After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.
Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use.
Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask – Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,What Is A Coronavirus?,"Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.","While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported?,"Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.","Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Occasionally, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed. 

To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,How long does the COVID-19 infection last?,"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.","Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Can I catch COVID-19 from the feces of someone with the disease?,"The risk of catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears to be low. While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in feces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the outbreak. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share new findings. Because this is a risk, however, it is another reason to clean hands regularly, after using the bathroom and before eating.","Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.

WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources and mis-use of masks.

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19?,"No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.","The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the period of transmission of COVID-19 and will continue to share updated findings."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,"Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?","Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.

Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19.

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing.","Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)
Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people.
Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses. 


If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,"How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask?","Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.
Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.
Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).
Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side).
Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.
Pull down the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.
After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.
Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use.
Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask – Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water.","While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Should I worry about COVID-19?,"Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.

We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.","Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)
Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people.
Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses. 


If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses."
NDTV,https://www.ndtv.com/coronavirus/faq,Who is at risk of developing severe illness?,"While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.","Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.

Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19.

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/2020/03/23/820009363/we-answer-your-coronavirus-questions,"And let's start with the trends here. Who's getting sick, and how sick are they getting?","Sure. Well, we do have a preliminary snapshot of cases in the U.S. from the CDC. And the picture so far is similar to what was documented in China. Coronavirus hits oldest people - older people the hardest. The CDC analysis found that about half of the people who've ended up in intensive care are 65 and older; the highest percentage of deaths in the U.S. has been among those 85 and older. Now this is based on an analysis of about 500 patients admitted to the hospital in the U.S. - so not all of the cases. But here's something to be aware of - younger adults can be vulnerable too; about 20% of people hospitalized were in their 40s and 50s. And this may come as a surprise - about 20% were younger. So some millennials and Gen Xers have gotten seriously ill.","With new research that suggests the new coronavirus can live on surfaces for hours or days, the prospect of going grocery shopping can seem daunting.
But you can manage the risk.
First of all, the viability of the virus goes down over time and it's sensitive to temperature – so it dies off more quickly in room temperature than it does in the cold.
Second, when you go to a grocery store, people aren't generally touching all the cans on the shelf — although there tends to be more handling of individual items in the produce section.
Among the things you can do to protect yourself and others are:
Ko says it helps to understand the differing levels of risk in different situations. Coming into close contact with a person who is infected with coronavirus carries greater risk than touching a shopping cart that might have been touched by an infected person hours or days earlier.
When it comes to disinfecting things, it makes sense to focus on high-touch surfaces. Ko says you should worry more about disinfecting bathroom doorknobs and faucets at home than about a can of tomato soup from the supermarket.
""There's never anything that has zero risk,"" Ko says, ""but the risk is so much lower than [surfaces] that are more frequently touched."""
NPR,https://www.npr.org/2020/03/23/820009363/we-answer-your-coronavirus-questions,Are those people who had some other underlying health problem?,"Well, that's important to understand, and we don't have a complete picture yet of which underlying medical problems were present in how many of these younger people. But it's worth noting - an analysis from Italy shows that about 99% of the people who've died in Italy from the virus had at least one underlying illness or condition such as heart disease, a history of stroke, diabetes. So these certainly seem to increase the risk of death or serious illness.","Masks can also function as an important visual cue, says Joseph Allen, an assistant professor of exposure and assessment science at Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
They're a ""reminder that we need to be taking these precautions and serve as a reminder to people to keep that 6-foot buffer,"" he says. ""It should be seen as a badge of honor. If I'm wearing a mask out in public, it means I'm concerned about you, I'm concerned about my neighbors, I'm concerned about strangers on the chance that I'm infectious. I want to do my part in limiting how I might impact you.""
Klompas agrees — and says that it can also give the wearer a welcome sense of security.
""It feels like you're behind a shield,"" he says, ""and I think that in itself can be reassuring.""
And for the others around you, it's a warning. ""It says: Watch out. There's a public health crisis right now, there's a virus going around, we need to be on top guard,"" says Klompas. ""I think it can actually be a reinforcer, a reminder of the state of crisis that we face in society.""
But he says that masks are not a replacement for all the other steps we need to take right now to protect ourselves from the coronavirus — especially social distancing and good hand hygiene."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/2020/03/23/820009363/we-answer-your-coronavirus-questions,"Well, let's talk about treatments for people who would end up in the hospital with COVID-19. The president and Dr. Anthony Fauci had a kind of debate in a briefing last week about how near some kind of treatment drug might be. What is the latest here? What's actually available?","That's right. Well, the Milken Institute is tracking the development of a whole bunch of potential treatments and vaccines. They've identified literally dozens of different candidates in the works on both the vaccine side, the treatment side - over 40 different compounds being looked at for the vaccine. But a vaccine is definitely a ways off. I mean, 12 to 18 months is an optimistic estimate out there.

In regard to treatments, there are clinical trials underway to look at the safety, efficacy of different drugs, from antivirals to antibody treatments. With one candidate, an antiviral called Remdesivir, some early results are expected later this spring, and there's a lot of hope out there. But obviously it's important to see what the studies find.","There is little data so far on cloth or homemade masks in general — let alone data that dictates how many pleats to put on your home-sewn version.
Griffin says the best material to use is a tight-weave cotton. ""Don't use a synthetic or a polyester because they've looked at the virus's ability to survive on surfaces, and spandex is the worst,"" he says.
Johns Hopkins Medicine has one design you might try. Kaiser Permanente has another design, as well as a video showing how to make a mask using a sewing machine. Both recommend 100% woven cotton fabric. Kaiser recommends washing and drying the fabric two or three times before cutting it, so it doesn't shrink later.
You can make a mask out of a T-shirt, no sewing machine required. You could also try making one out of (unused) shop towels. But no matter what you make it out of, try to make it fit closely to your face and don't touch the front of it once you've started wearing it."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/2020/03/23/820009363/we-answer-your-coronavirus-questions,What about simply testing people to see if they have the virus?,"Well, we know it's been a very bumpy start - right? - lots of stories of delays, backlogs, despite promises to expand quickly. Now, over the weekend, the FDA issued emergency use authorization for a new diagnostic tool. This can provide results within hours rather than days. The company says it's going to make this available - roll this out by March 30th, so end of next week. So this could speed up testing.","After you get a handle on making masks, you could keep going – and donate the additional masks to health care centers. Johns Hopkins University, for instance, is accepting donated masks for nonpatient care settings. It asks that masks not be made in a solid color, especially blue or white, which could be confused with medical-grade masks."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/2020/03/23/820009363/we-answer-your-coronavirus-questions,So how can I tell the difference between someone who just has allergies and somebody who has something worse?,"So there is some overlap. But there are key differences, too. I've spoken to a bunch of allergists about this. And here is one very important distinction - fever is a symptom of COVID-19, but it is not a symptom of seasonal allergies. With all of that pollen starting to develop around the country, a lot of people are sneezing and will have a runny nose. These are typical symptoms of seasonal allergies but not necessarily typical of coronavirus. Cough is another very important distinction. Coughing is usually not a main symptom of seasonal allergies, but it is a key symptom of COVID-19, especially a dry cough.","Well, that's important to understand, and we don't have a complete picture yet of which underlying medical problems were present in how many of these younger people. But it's worth noting - an analysis from Italy shows that about 99% of the people who've died in Italy from the virus had at least one underlying illness or condition such as heart disease, a history of stroke, diabetes. So these certainly seem to increase the risk of death or serious illness."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/2020/03/23/820009363/we-answer-your-coronavirus-questions,"People are also asking about re-infection, whether you are immune to this once you've had it.","Well, with a lot of viruses, I mean, after you've gotten exposed to it the first time, you'll have partial protection against it going forward. And there is reason to think that the same could be true with this virus. Now, the CDC says there's still a lot that is not known about the immune response to COVID-19. But for now, they're saying patients who have recovered from an infection are not likely to be re-infected shortly afterwards.","It probably can — but you shouldn't be overly worried. Here's why.
So far, there aren't scientific findings on how long the virus can live on fabric. But fabrics are generally porous — as is cardboard, which has been tested. And a recent study did find that the virus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours.
""The thing that you have to consider, though, is that those tests are done in ideal testing circumstances,"" says Rachel Graham, a virologist at the University of North Carolina. ""That's like in some kind of hermetically sealed box where there's no fluctuation in humidity, there's no wind, there's nothing that can contribute toward desiccating the virus. And so desiccation — or drying out the virus — would actually reduce the amount of time it's actually viable on any kind of surface.""
Plus, porousness is a good thing when it comes to avoiding viral transmission. A surface that is permeable, like a fabric, tends to trap viruses more easily than hard surfaces.
""It's less at risk of transmitting because the virus gets kind of stuck to the [porous] surface, and so it can't be easily transferred back off of it,"" Graham says. ""Porous surfaces also suck the fluid out of it. The viral membrane is a lipid membrane, and so if that becomes dried out, it's basically done, infectivity-wise.""
If you are concerned that clothing or other fabric items might have picked up the virus, throw the clothing in the washer and dryer. For most situations, says Graham, your detergent will do its job and get rid of any infective particles — or at least sanitize them to the point where they're not a risk to you.
If you're taking care of someone who is ill or immunocompromised or if you're working in a health care setting, you may want to take additional precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommendations for households with suspected or confirmed cases of the coronavirus, which include wearing gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and using the warmest appropriate water setting when washing clothes or linens to disinfect them.
I like to use wipes to disinfect surfaces in my home — especially surfaces that are frequently touched. But how much surface area can one wipe be used on before it loses its ability to kill the coronavirus?
The first step is to check the label on the wipes you're using. For instance, the label on a container of Clorox wipes instructs: ""Use enough wipes for treated surface to remain visibly wet for 4 minutes. To kill viruses, let stand 15 seconds.""
That time and that visible wetness are important, says Erica Hartmann, an expert in environmental microbiology at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering.
Regardless of the particular ingredients in the wipes you're using, ""they're all chemicals that have to react,"" she says. ""And those chemical reactions aren't instantaneous — they take a certain amount of time. So what you're doing when you're keeping the surface wet is you're basically allowing time, allowing the chemical reactions to take place.""
So if that Clorox wipe isn't making the surface visibly wet for 4 minutes, you're trying to cover too much ground with one wipe.
There's no exact figure for how much surface area a wipe can handle. But a 2018 study found that one wipe is generally more effective over 1 to 2 square feet than 8 square feet.
And you don't need a premade wipe to clean surfaces: You can also use a liquid product on a cloth or paper towel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises using products that contain bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or alcohol (at least 70%) and following the manufacturer's directions. You can make your own cleaning solution by mixing 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water, according to the CDC.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has posted a list of approved products to disinfect against the coronavirus.
Strangers keep petting my dog when we go for a walk. Could my dog transmit the virus on its fur?
Saskia Popescu, an infection prevention epidemiologist at the health care system HonorHealth, says she's not especially concerned about dog fur transmitting the virus. ""I think that I would probably be more worried if somebody was coughing all over the place and went to touch my dog's harness or something — something inanimate,"" she says. ""I would put it in the lower-risk category.""
That's because like fabric, fur is a porous surface — so it isn't easy for a person to pick up bits of virus from it. ""The chances of you getting it from fur and hair is going to be less than getting it from a solid surface,"" says Graham, the virologist. Still, she said, she would err on the side of caution and ask people not to pet your dog right now.
Graham says one way to make sure your dog doesn't get touched by overenthusiastic petters is to avoid letting your dog off leash in a place where it may encounter other people. Rather than going to a dog park, she says, ""it might be a better idea to take your dog out in the yard or somewhere you know that there's not going to be a lot of people.""
And despite the occasional media report of a dog diagnosed with COVID-19, there is no evidence that pets can contract or spread COVID-19. The CDC says it has not received any reports of pets or animals becoming sick with the disease. The American Veterinary Medical Association concurs: ""Infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they spread it to other animals, including people.""
One note: If you are already sick with COVID-19, the association recommends limiting contact with animals ""out of an abundance of caution"" until more is known about the virus. If you're not sick with the coronavirus, the group says you can interact with your pet as you normally would — while practicing good hygiene, including washing your hands before and after interacting with your pet."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/2020/03/23/820009363/we-answer-your-coronavirus-questions,So when might things begin to get back to normal?,"Oh, gosh. Well, you know, we're halfway through that 15-day period announced last week asking everyone to hunker down, stay home. And what Anthony Fauci, the top adviser, has said over the weekend is that the social distancing, all the measures we're taking - they will have an effect. But we just can't quantify the effect yet. I mean, how much we may be slowing the spread here is masked by the significant increase in cases each day, as you just mentioned at the top.

So you know, as testing expands, we're going to get this increase in cases. Hard to see the progress here - it's likely going to be much, much longer before life feels like normal again, right? I mean, many schools have extended closures. There'll be lots of distance learning going on. Many scientists and public health experts watching China as the country lifts its restrictions. Does the virus stay under control, or does it start to spread again? We can learn a lot by watching what happens there.","Last week, the U.K. government signaled that it might be considering a different approach to coronavirus control than the rest of the world — in essence, allowing a large percentage of the population to become infected in order to develop a ""herd immunity"" that would eventually end the epidemic.
Herd immunity occurs when enough people in a population are immune to disease — either because they've been infected and recovered or they've been vaccinated against it. The idea is that the pool of people who can catch the disease has been reduced, reducing the risk to the so-far unaffected.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the U.K. government's chief scientific adviser, said that about 60% of the population would need to get the coronavirus in order to get a herd immunity effect.
But using such an approach would raise a big question: During that spread, how do you protect the most vulnerable groups – the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions?
Herd immunity works with contagious diseases like measles, for which a vaccine exists. But the idea that the U.K. would not immediately work to suppress the number of cases, especially as there are no approved treatments for COVID-19 yet and the disease has killed thousands in Italy, stirred an immediate public backlash.
The government quickly backtracked, and on Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said all restaurants, pubs and gyms would close for the foreseeable future to reduce transmission.
And there is no certainty that herd immunity would even work for coronavirus. That approach ""assumes that people being infected are immune and cannot get re-infected. And we don't know that as of yet,"" says Albert Ko, professor of epidemiology and medicine at the Yale School of Public Health.
People who go outside to exercise are sometimes shamed on TV and on social media for risky behavior. Is it okay to go outside for a walk, run or bike ride?
The White House coronavirus guidelines for the 15-day period that started Monday advise avoiding ""discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits,"" as well as ""social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people."" But outdoor exercise is not on the list.
So unless local guidelines instruct otherwise, fresh air and outdoor exercise are allowed – though it's important to keep some distance between yourself and others. The coronavirus is thought to spread primarily through close contact between people – within about six feet.
The primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets.
There is better airflow outside than in confined spaces. That air flow outside reduces the risk of one person transmitting the virus to another through droplets in the air, says Albert Ko, the Yale epidemiologist. ""So if you're going out and you're hiking or biking or running and you're not within, say, six feet or 10 feet of another person, I would consider that a healthy, safe practice.""
Ko also points to the significant mental health issues that can be caused or exacerbated when people are cooped up.
""My personal feeling is that if people are practicing sound respiratory hygiene, sound hand hygiene, they're distancing themselves physically from others outside, and you're exercising and walking in the park — I think that's actually a good public health practice."""
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/27/822591449/coronavirus-faqs-does-it-live-on-clothes-can-my-dog-infect-me-any-advice-on-wipe,We know the virus can live on hard surfaces. What about clothing?,"It probably can — but you shouldn't be overly worried. Here's why.
So far, there aren't scientific findings on how long the virus can live on fabric. But fabrics are generally porous — as is cardboard, which has been tested. And a recent study did find that the virus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours.
""The thing that you have to consider, though, is that those tests are done in ideal testing circumstances,"" says Rachel Graham, a virologist at the University of North Carolina. ""That's like in some kind of hermetically sealed box where there's no fluctuation in humidity, there's no wind, there's nothing that can contribute toward desiccating the virus. And so desiccation — or drying out the virus — would actually reduce the amount of time it's actually viable on any kind of surface.""
Plus, porousness is a good thing when it comes to avoiding viral transmission. A surface that is permeable, like a fabric, tends to trap viruses more easily than hard surfaces.
""It's less at risk of transmitting because the virus gets kind of stuck to the [porous] surface, and so it can't be easily transferred back off of it,"" Graham says. ""Porous surfaces also suck the fluid out of it. The viral membrane is a lipid membrane, and so if that becomes dried out, it's basically done, infectivity-wise.""
If you are concerned that clothing or other fabric items might have picked up the virus, throw the clothing in the washer and dryer. For most situations, says Graham, your detergent will do its job and get rid of any infective particles — or at least sanitize them to the point where they're not a risk to you.
If you're taking care of someone who is ill or immunocompromised or if you're working in a health care setting, you may want to take additional precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommendations for households with suspected or confirmed cases of the coronavirus, which include wearing gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and using the warmest appropriate water setting when washing clothes or linens to disinfect them.
I like to use wipes to disinfect surfaces in my home — especially surfaces that are frequently touched. But how much surface area can one wipe be used on before it loses its ability to kill the coronavirus?
The first step is to check the label on the wipes you're using. For instance, the label on a container of Clorox wipes instructs: ""Use enough wipes for treated surface to remain visibly wet for 4 minutes. To kill viruses, let stand 15 seconds.""
That time and that visible wetness are important, says Erica Hartmann, an expert in environmental microbiology at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering.
Regardless of the particular ingredients in the wipes you're using, ""they're all chemicals that have to react,"" she says. ""And those chemical reactions aren't instantaneous — they take a certain amount of time. So what you're doing when you're keeping the surface wet is you're basically allowing time, allowing the chemical reactions to take place.""
So if that Clorox wipe isn't making the surface visibly wet for 4 minutes, you're trying to cover too much ground with one wipe.
There's no exact figure for how much surface area a wipe can handle. But a 2018 study found that one wipe is generally more effective over 1 to 2 square feet than 8 square feet.
And you don't need a premade wipe to clean surfaces: You can also use a liquid product on a cloth or paper towel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises using products that contain bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or alcohol (at least 70%) and following the manufacturer's directions. You can make your own cleaning solution by mixing 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water, according to the CDC.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has posted a list of approved products to disinfect against the coronavirus.
Strangers keep petting my dog when we go for a walk. Could my dog transmit the virus on its fur?
Saskia Popescu, an infection prevention epidemiologist at the health care system HonorHealth, says she's not especially concerned about dog fur transmitting the virus. ""I think that I would probably be more worried if somebody was coughing all over the place and went to touch my dog's harness or something — something inanimate,"" she says. ""I would put it in the lower-risk category.""
That's because like fabric, fur is a porous surface — so it isn't easy for a person to pick up bits of virus from it. ""The chances of you getting it from fur and hair is going to be less than getting it from a solid surface,"" says Graham, the virologist. Still, she said, she would err on the side of caution and ask people not to pet your dog right now.
Graham says one way to make sure your dog doesn't get touched by overenthusiastic petters is to avoid letting your dog off leash in a place where it may encounter other people. Rather than going to a dog park, she says, ""it might be a better idea to take your dog out in the yard or somewhere you know that there's not going to be a lot of people.""
And despite the occasional media report of a dog diagnosed with COVID-19, there is no evidence that pets can contract or spread COVID-19. The CDC says it has not received any reports of pets or animals becoming sick with the disease. The American Veterinary Medical Association concurs: ""Infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they spread it to other animals, including people.""
One note: If you are already sick with COVID-19, the association recommends limiting contact with animals ""out of an abundance of caution"" until more is known about the virus. If you're not sick with the coronavirus, the group says you can interact with your pet as you normally would — while practicing good hygiene, including washing your hands before and after interacting with your pet.","The short answer: We don't know yet. It's not yet clear whether people can be reinfected by this coronavirus or how long immunity might last after infection.
Immunity after recovery from COVID-19 would be a boon in the global fight to rein in the virus. People who have recovered and gained immunity would be especially valuable as health care workers. The spread of the virus would slow if more people had immunity to it. And antibodies from recovered people could help in developing a treatment for the disease.
As NPR's Nell Greenfieldboyce has reported, scientists are looking for clues about immunity to and reinfection from other coronaviruses.
The severe coronaviruses SARS and MERS did produce antibodies in those who had the virus. In the case of MERS, survivors generated an immune response to the virus that could be detected up to two years later. And the sicker the patient was, the more long lasting their immune response.
But in the case of the four seasonal coronaviruses that are a cause of the common cold, they can sicken people over and over again. After infection with one of these viruses, antibodies are produced — but then the levels slowly decline and people become susceptible again.
There are some indications that the new coronavirus, officially known as SARS-CoV-2, can spur immunity. New not-yet-peer-reviewed research in rhesus macaques found that the new coronavirus does not cause reinfections.
""I think there's a very likely scenario where the virus comes through this year, and everyone gets some level of immunity to it, and if it comes back again, we will be protected from it,"" Matt Frieman, a coronavirus researcher at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, told NPR. ""Either completely or if you do get reinfected later, a year from now, then you have much less disease.""
""That is the hope,"" he adds. ""But there is no way to know that."""
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/27/822591449/coronavirus-faqs-does-it-live-on-clothes-can-my-dog-infect-me-any-advice-on-wipe,Can you get COVID-19 more than once?,"The short answer: We don't know yet. It's not yet clear whether people can be reinfected by this coronavirus or how long immunity might last after infection.
Immunity after recovery from COVID-19 would be a boon in the global fight to rein in the virus. People who have recovered and gained immunity would be especially valuable as health care workers. The spread of the virus would slow if more people had immunity to it. And antibodies from recovered people could help in developing a treatment for the disease.
As NPR's Nell Greenfieldboyce has reported, scientists are looking for clues about immunity to and reinfection from other coronaviruses.
The severe coronaviruses SARS and MERS did produce antibodies in those who had the virus. In the case of MERS, survivors generated an immune response to the virus that could be detected up to two years later. And the sicker the patient was, the more long lasting their immune response.
But in the case of the four seasonal coronaviruses that are a cause of the common cold, they can sicken people over and over again. After infection with one of these viruses, antibodies are produced — but then the levels slowly decline and people become susceptible again.
There are some indications that the new coronavirus, officially known as SARS-CoV-2, can spur immunity. New not-yet-peer-reviewed research in rhesus macaques found that the new coronavirus does not cause reinfections.
""I think there's a very likely scenario where the virus comes through this year, and everyone gets some level of immunity to it, and if it comes back again, we will be protected from it,"" Matt Frieman, a coronavirus researcher at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, told NPR. ""Either completely or if you do get reinfected later, a year from now, then you have much less disease.""
""That is the hope,"" he adds. ""But there is no way to know that.""","So there is some overlap. But there are key differences, too. I've spoken to a bunch of allergists about this. And here is one very important distinction - fever is a symptom of COVID-19, but it is not a symptom of seasonal allergies. With all of that pollen starting to develop around the country, a lot of people are sneezing and will have a runny nose. These are typical symptoms of seasonal allergies but not necessarily typical of coronavirus. Cough is another very important distinction. Coughing is usually not a main symptom of seasonal allergies, but it is a key symptom of COVID-19, especially a dry cough."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/20/819031274/coronavirus-faqs-can-i-go-running-is-food-shopping-too-risky-whats-herd-immunity,"I heard that the U.K. was talking about using a ""herd immunity"" approach to the coronavirus. What exactly is herd immunity, and could it work against coronavirus?","Last week, the U.K. government signaled that it might be considering a different approach to coronavirus control than the rest of the world — in essence, allowing a large percentage of the population to become infected in order to develop a ""herd immunity"" that would eventually end the epidemic.
Herd immunity occurs when enough people in a population are immune to disease — either because they've been infected and recovered or they've been vaccinated against it. The idea is that the pool of people who can catch the disease has been reduced, reducing the risk to the so-far unaffected.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the U.K. government's chief scientific adviser, said that about 60% of the population would need to get the coronavirus in order to get a herd immunity effect.
But using such an approach would raise a big question: During that spread, how do you protect the most vulnerable groups – the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions?
Herd immunity works with contagious diseases like measles, for which a vaccine exists. But the idea that the U.K. would not immediately work to suppress the number of cases, especially as there are no approved treatments for COVID-19 yet and the disease has killed thousands in Italy, stirred an immediate public backlash.
The government quickly backtracked, and on Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said all restaurants, pubs and gyms would close for the foreseeable future to reduce transmission.
And there is no certainty that herd immunity would even work for coronavirus. That approach ""assumes that people being infected are immune and cannot get re-infected. And we don't know that as of yet,"" says Albert Ko, professor of epidemiology and medicine at the Yale School of Public Health.
People who go outside to exercise are sometimes shamed on TV and on social media for risky behavior. Is it okay to go outside for a walk, run or bike ride?
The White House coronavirus guidelines for the 15-day period that started Monday advise avoiding ""discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits,"" as well as ""social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people."" But outdoor exercise is not on the list.
So unless local guidelines instruct otherwise, fresh air and outdoor exercise are allowed – though it's important to keep some distance between yourself and others. The coronavirus is thought to spread primarily through close contact between people – within about six feet.
The primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets.
There is better airflow outside than in confined spaces. That air flow outside reduces the risk of one person transmitting the virus to another through droplets in the air, says Albert Ko, the Yale epidemiologist. ""So if you're going out and you're hiking or biking or running and you're not within, say, six feet or 10 feet of another person, I would consider that a healthy, safe practice.""
Ko also points to the significant mental health issues that can be caused or exacerbated when people are cooped up.
""My personal feeling is that if people are practicing sound respiratory hygiene, sound hand hygiene, they're distancing themselves physically from others outside, and you're exercising and walking in the park — I think that's actually a good public health practice.""","There is little data so far on cloth or homemade masks in general — let alone data that dictates how many pleats to put on your home-sewn version.
Griffin says the best material to use is a tight-weave cotton. ""Don't use a synthetic or a polyester because they've looked at the virus's ability to survive on surfaces, and spandex is the worst,"" he says.
Johns Hopkins Medicine has one design you might try. Kaiser Permanente has another design, as well as a video showing how to make a mask using a sewing machine. Both recommend 100% woven cotton fabric. Kaiser recommends washing and drying the fabric two or three times before cutting it, so it doesn't shrink later.
You can make a mask out of a T-shirt, no sewing machine required. You could also try making one out of (unused) shop towels. But no matter what you make it out of, try to make it fit closely to your face and don't touch the front of it once you've started wearing it."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/20/819031274/coronavirus-faqs-can-i-go-running-is-food-shopping-too-risky-whats-herd-immunity,I've heard that taking drugs like ibuprofen to ease COVID-19 symptoms could actually worsen the progress of the illness. Is that true?,"The World Health Organization and many infectious disease experts say that there is no good scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of COVID‑19.
The notion that such a link exists was sparked last weekend when a tweet by the French health minister warned people not to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — a category of pain relievers and fever reducers that includes ibuprofen — because, he said, some French COVID-19 patients had experienced serious side effects. The warning was also included in a bulletin from the French health ministry, which counseled that patients should instead use acetaminophen, the generic name for Tylenol.
But experts say that warning isn't based on data.
""Based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen,"" the WHO stated on its official Twitter account, adding, ""'We are also consulting with physicians treating COVID-19 patients and are not aware of reports of any negative effects of ibuprofen, beyond the usual known side effects that limit its use in certain populations.""
Dr. Angela Rogers, a pulmonologist at the Stanford University Medical Center and chair of its intensive care unit's COVID-19 task force, notes that Tylenol is the go-to medication for patients who are sick enough to be hospitalized for any infection. That's because these patients are at higher risk of damage to internal organs, including kidneys. And kidney damage can be a side effect of ibuprofen for some patients who use it long-term in higher doses, says Rogers, whose research focuses on the kind of acute respiratory distress experienced by the most severe COVID-19 cases.
Tylenol, like any medicine, isn't risk-free either; Rogers notes that acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage in high doses. In low doses, though, she says, Tylenol is ""very effective"" for reducing fever and ""very safe.""","That's right. Well, the Milken Institute is tracking the development of a whole bunch of potential treatments and vaccines. They've identified literally dozens of different candidates in the works on both the vaccine side, the treatment side - over 40 different compounds being looked at for the vaccine. But a vaccine is definitely a ways off. I mean, 12 to 18 months is an optimistic estimate out there.

In regard to treatments, there are clinical trials underway to look at the safety, efficacy of different drugs, from antivirals to antibody treatments. With one candidate, an antiviral called Remdesivir, some early results are expected later this spring, and there's a lot of hope out there. But obviously it's important to see what the studies find."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/20/819031274/coronavirus-faqs-can-i-go-running-is-food-shopping-too-risky-whats-herd-immunity,How do I manage any risks while grocery shopping?,"With new research that suggests the new coronavirus can live on surfaces for hours or days, the prospect of going grocery shopping can seem daunting.
But you can manage the risk.
First of all, the viability of the virus goes down over time and it's sensitive to temperature – so it dies off more quickly in room temperature than it does in the cold.
Second, when you go to a grocery store, people aren't generally touching all the cans on the shelf — although there tends to be more handling of individual items in the produce section.
Among the things you can do to protect yourself and others are:
Ko says it helps to understand the differing levels of risk in different situations. Coming into close contact with a person who is infected with coronavirus carries greater risk than touching a shopping cart that might have been touched by an infected person hours or days earlier.
When it comes to disinfecting things, it makes sense to focus on high-touch surfaces. Ko says you should worry more about disinfecting bathroom doorknobs and faucets at home than about a can of tomato soup from the supermarket.
""There's never anything that has zero risk,"" Ko says, ""but the risk is so much lower than [surfaces] that are more frequently touched.""","Yes. But only if you use the mask properly and don't touch it with your hands afterward.
Those droplets from a cough or sneeze would hit your mask instead of your mouth and nose — good news. But the next step is to take the mask off by the ear bands and either wash or discard it — without touching the front of it.
""That's what I see all the time,"" says Griffin. ""That's why in the studies, masks fail — people don't use them [correctly]. They touch the front of it. They adjust it. They push it down somehow to get their nose stuck out.""
If you touch the front of the mask, whatever that person coughed or sneezed on it is now on your hands.
As this video from the World Health Organization shows, you should take off your mask by removing the elastics or straps from behind your ears. Don't touch the front, and keep the mask away from your face.
One other thing: Ideally you would have eye protection, too, to keep that stranger's sneeze from getting in. Glasses and sunglasses aren't perfect but can help."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/826996154/coronavirus-faqs-is-a-homemade-mask-effective-and-whats-the-best-way-to-wear-one,Can face coverings prevent the spread of the virus?,"The primary benefit of covering your nose and mouth is that you protect others. While there is still much to be learned about the novel coronavirus, it appears that many people who are infected are shedding the virus – through coughs, sneezes and other respiratory droplets – for 48 hours before they start feeling sick. And others who have the virus – up to 25%, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield — may never feel symptoms but may still play a role in transmitting it.
That's why wearing a mask even if you don't feel sick can be a good idea.
If you cough or sneeze, the mask can catch those respiratory droplets so they don't land on other people or surfaces. ""So it's not going to protect you, but it is going to protect your neighbor,"" says Dr. Daniel Griffin at Columbia University, an expert on infectious diseases. ""If your neighbor is wearing a mask and the same thing happens, they're going to protect you. So masks worn properly have the potential to benefit people.""
The best masks are N95 respirators, but the general public is urged not to use them because they are fiercely needed by health care workers right now. If you have those, consider donating them immediately to a local hospital or find a drop-off here. Same goes for surgical masks — those thin blue models-- which offer less protection but are helpful and are also in short supply.","As NPR has previously reported, some research has shown that cotton T-shirt material and tea towels might help block respiratory droplets emitting from sick people — though it's not clear how much protection they provide.
Another study, of health care workers in Vietnam, found that use of cloth masks resulted in greater infection than either those wearing surgical masks or a control group, some of whom also wore surgical masks.
We don't yet know exactly how effective homemade masks are, but Griffin thinks they're a good idea — he has even taken to wearing one over his N95 respirator."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/826996154/coronavirus-faqs-is-a-homemade-mask-effective-and-whats-the-best-way-to-wear-one,"If I'm wearing a mask and someone sneezes on me, would the mask offer some protection?","Yes. But only if you use the mask properly and don't touch it with your hands afterward.
Those droplets from a cough or sneeze would hit your mask instead of your mouth and nose — good news. But the next step is to take the mask off by the ear bands and either wash or discard it — without touching the front of it.
""That's what I see all the time,"" says Griffin. ""That's why in the studies, masks fail — people don't use them [correctly]. They touch the front of it. They adjust it. They push it down somehow to get their nose stuck out.""
If you touch the front of the mask, whatever that person coughed or sneezed on it is now on your hands.
As this video from the World Health Organization shows, you should take off your mask by removing the elastics or straps from behind your ears. Don't touch the front, and keep the mask away from your face.
One other thing: Ideally you would have eye protection, too, to keep that stranger's sneeze from getting in. Glasses and sunglasses aren't perfect but can help.","Sure. Well, we do have a preliminary snapshot of cases in the U.S. from the CDC. And the picture so far is similar to what was documented in China. Coronavirus hits oldest people - older people the hardest. The CDC analysis found that about half of the people who've ended up in intensive care are 65 and older; the highest percentage of deaths in the U.S. has been among those 85 and older. Now this is based on an analysis of about 500 patients admitted to the hospital in the U.S. - so not all of the cases. But here's something to be aware of - younger adults can be vulnerable too; about 20% of people hospitalized were in their 40s and 50s. And this may come as a surprise - about 20% were younger. So some millennials and Gen Xers have gotten seriously ill."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/826996154/coronavirus-faqs-is-a-homemade-mask-effective-and-whats-the-best-way-to-wear-one,What about homemade masks?,"As NPR has previously reported, some research has shown that cotton T-shirt material and tea towels might help block respiratory droplets emitting from sick people — though it's not clear how much protection they provide.
Another study, of health care workers in Vietnam, found that use of cloth masks resulted in greater infection than either those wearing surgical masks or a control group, some of whom also wore surgical masks.
We don't yet know exactly how effective homemade masks are, but Griffin thinks they're a good idea — he has even taken to wearing one over his N95 respirator.","Well, we know it's been a very bumpy start - right? - lots of stories of delays, backlogs, despite promises to expand quickly. Now, over the weekend, the FDA issued emergency use authorization for a new diagnostic tool. This can provide results within hours rather than days. The company says it's going to make this available - roll this out by March 30th, so end of next week. So this could speed up testing."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/826996154/coronavirus-faqs-is-a-homemade-mask-effective-and-whats-the-best-way-to-wear-one,How often do I need to wash it?,"Griffin says to think of a mask as like underwear: It needs to be washed after each use.
""You don't take this dirty mask off, put it in your purse and then stick it back on your face,"" he says. ""It's something that once you put on, is potentially either touching your coughs, sneezes or the spray of your speech, or protecting you from the coughs, spray, speech of other people. And now it's dirty. It needs to basically be either discarded or washed.""
So if you're wearing a cloth mask, put it into the laundry basket immediately. If it's disposable, throw it away.
It's a big no-no to pull the mask down to eat a snack, then pull it back up: You've just gotten whatever dirty stuff is on the mask on your hands and into your mouth.","Last week, the U.K. government signaled that it might be considering a different approach to coronavirus control than the rest of the world — in essence, allowing a large percentage of the population to become infected in order to develop a ""herd immunity"" that would eventually end the epidemic.
Herd immunity occurs when enough people in a population are immune to disease — either because they've been infected and recovered or they've been vaccinated against it. The idea is that the pool of people who can catch the disease has been reduced, reducing the risk to the so-far unaffected.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the U.K. government's chief scientific adviser, said that about 60% of the population would need to get the coronavirus in order to get a herd immunity effect.
But using such an approach would raise a big question: During that spread, how do you protect the most vulnerable groups – the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions?
Herd immunity works with contagious diseases like measles, for which a vaccine exists. But the idea that the U.K. would not immediately work to suppress the number of cases, especially as there are no approved treatments for COVID-19 yet and the disease has killed thousands in Italy, stirred an immediate public backlash.
The government quickly backtracked, and on Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said all restaurants, pubs and gyms would close for the foreseeable future to reduce transmission.
And there is no certainty that herd immunity would even work for coronavirus. That approach ""assumes that people being infected are immune and cannot get re-infected. And we don't know that as of yet,"" says Albert Ko, professor of epidemiology and medicine at the Yale School of Public Health.
People who go outside to exercise are sometimes shamed on TV and on social media for risky behavior. Is it okay to go outside for a walk, run or bike ride?
The White House coronavirus guidelines for the 15-day period that started Monday advise avoiding ""discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits,"" as well as ""social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people."" But outdoor exercise is not on the list.
So unless local guidelines instruct otherwise, fresh air and outdoor exercise are allowed – though it's important to keep some distance between yourself and others. The coronavirus is thought to spread primarily through close contact between people – within about six feet.
The primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets.
There is better airflow outside than in confined spaces. That air flow outside reduces the risk of one person transmitting the virus to another through droplets in the air, says Albert Ko, the Yale epidemiologist. ""So if you're going out and you're hiking or biking or running and you're not within, say, six feet or 10 feet of another person, I would consider that a healthy, safe practice.""
Ko also points to the significant mental health issues that can be caused or exacerbated when people are cooped up.
""My personal feeling is that if people are practicing sound respiratory hygiene, sound hand hygiene, they're distancing themselves physically from others outside, and you're exercising and walking in the park — I think that's actually a good public health practice."""
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/826996154/coronavirus-faqs-is-a-homemade-mask-effective-and-whats-the-best-way-to-wear-one,Is there one best mask design?,"There is little data so far on cloth or homemade masks in general — let alone data that dictates how many pleats to put on your home-sewn version.
Griffin says the best material to use is a tight-weave cotton. ""Don't use a synthetic or a polyester because they've looked at the virus's ability to survive on surfaces, and spandex is the worst,"" he says.
Johns Hopkins Medicine has one design you might try. Kaiser Permanente has another design, as well as a video showing how to make a mask using a sewing machine. Both recommend 100% woven cotton fabric. Kaiser recommends washing and drying the fabric two or three times before cutting it, so it doesn't shrink later.
You can make a mask out of a T-shirt, no sewing machine required. You could also try making one out of (unused) shop towels. But no matter what you make it out of, try to make it fit closely to your face and don't touch the front of it once you've started wearing it.","Oh, gosh. Well, you know, we're halfway through that 15-day period announced last week asking everyone to hunker down, stay home. And what Anthony Fauci, the top adviser, has said over the weekend is that the social distancing, all the measures we're taking - they will have an effect. But we just can't quantify the effect yet. I mean, how much we may be slowing the spread here is masked by the significant increase in cases each day, as you just mentioned at the top.

So you know, as testing expands, we're going to get this increase in cases. Hard to see the progress here - it's likely going to be much, much longer before life feels like normal again, right? I mean, many schools have extended closures. There'll be lots of distance learning going on. Many scientists and public health experts watching China as the country lifts its restrictions. Does the virus stay under control, or does it start to spread again? We can learn a lot by watching what happens there."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/826996154/coronavirus-faqs-is-a-homemade-mask-effective-and-whats-the-best-way-to-wear-one,Would a scarf work?,"Probably not as well as a mask that fits closely to your face.
""You can imagine if you put a loosely knit scarf with lots of holes in it ... that would not be very effective,"" says Dr. Michael Klompas, an infectious disease physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
The goal is to create a barrier that catches droplets and keeps others from coming in, so you want coverage that is tightly woven and close-fitting.","Yes. But only if you use the mask properly and don't touch it with your hands afterward.
Those droplets from a cough or sneeze would hit your mask instead of your mouth and nose — good news. But the next step is to take the mask off by the ear bands and either wash or discard it — without touching the front of it.
""That's what I see all the time,"" says Griffin. ""That's why in the studies, masks fail — people don't use them [correctly]. They touch the front of it. They adjust it. They push it down somehow to get their nose stuck out.""
If you touch the front of the mask, whatever that person coughed or sneezed on it is now on your hands.
As this video from the World Health Organization shows, you should take off your mask by removing the elastics or straps from behind your ears. Don't touch the front, and keep the mask away from your face.
One other thing: Ideally you would have eye protection, too, to keep that stranger's sneeze from getting in. Glasses and sunglasses aren't perfect but can help."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/826996154/coronavirus-faqs-is-a-homemade-mask-effective-and-whats-the-best-way-to-wear-one,Can I donate masks to hospitals?,"After you get a handle on making masks, you could keep going – and donate the additional masks to health care centers. Johns Hopkins University, for instance, is accepting donated masks for nonpatient care settings. It asks that masks not be made in a solid color, especially blue or white, which could be confused with medical-grade masks.","That's right. Well, the Milken Institute is tracking the development of a whole bunch of potential treatments and vaccines. They've identified literally dozens of different candidates in the works on both the vaccine side, the treatment side - over 40 different compounds being looked at for the vaccine. But a vaccine is definitely a ways off. I mean, 12 to 18 months is an optimistic estimate out there.

In regard to treatments, there are clinical trials underway to look at the safety, efficacy of different drugs, from antivirals to antibody treatments. With one candidate, an antiviral called Remdesivir, some early results are expected later this spring, and there's a lot of hope out there. But obviously it's important to see what the studies find."
NPR,https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/826996154/coronavirus-faqs-is-a-homemade-mask-effective-and-whats-the-best-way-to-wear-one,Do masks confer any other benefits?,"Masks can also function as an important visual cue, says Joseph Allen, an assistant professor of exposure and assessment science at Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
They're a ""reminder that we need to be taking these precautions and serve as a reminder to people to keep that 6-foot buffer,"" he says. ""It should be seen as a badge of honor. If I'm wearing a mask out in public, it means I'm concerned about you, I'm concerned about my neighbors, I'm concerned about strangers on the chance that I'm infectious. I want to do my part in limiting how I might impact you.""
Klompas agrees — and says that it can also give the wearer a welcome sense of security.
""It feels like you're behind a shield,"" he says, ""and I think that in itself can be reassuring.""
And for the others around you, it's a warning. ""It says: Watch out. There's a public health crisis right now, there's a virus going around, we need to be on top guard,"" says Klompas. ""I think it can actually be a reinforcer, a reminder of the state of crisis that we face in society.""
But he says that masks are not a replacement for all the other steps we need to take right now to protect ourselves from the coronavirus — especially social distancing and good hand hygiene.","That's right. Well, the Milken Institute is tracking the development of a whole bunch of potential treatments and vaccines. They've identified literally dozens of different candidates in the works on both the vaccine side, the treatment side - over 40 different compounds being looked at for the vaccine. But a vaccine is definitely a ways off. I mean, 12 to 18 months is an optimistic estimate out there.

In regard to treatments, there are clinical trials underway to look at the safety, efficacy of different drugs, from antivirals to antibody treatments. With one candidate, an antiviral called Remdesivir, some early results are expected later this spring, and there's a lot of hope out there. But obviously it's important to see what the studies find."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,When will this end?,"This is a difficult question, because a lot depends on[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/20/us/coronavirus-model-us- outbreak.html)[how well the virus is contained](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/20/us/coronavirus- model-us-outbreak.html).  In places including China, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, fierce efforts to contain the virus appear to have[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/19/world/coronavirus-flatten- the-curve-countries.html)[reduced the number of new cases](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/19/world/coronavirus- flatten-the-curve-countries.html).  In the United States, forecasts differ depending on where you live. New York City, Seattle, Boston and parts of California already have such large outbreaks that they will probably see significant growth even after taking extraordinary preventive measures, according to Columbia University researchers who used a New York Times [database](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us- cases.html) and Census Bureau data to model outcomes.  Some experts have[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/health/coronavirus- shut-down.html)[guessed, optimistically,](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/health/coronavirus-shut- down.html) that the virus could abate in about two months, although that does not mean that public life would go back to normal. The more we take early precautions to protect our communities, like practicing social distancing, the better the results will be.  If measures to slow the disease aren’t effective, the virus could sicken millions of people, losing steam on the coasts in May before spreading to the rest of the country over the summer.  Clinical[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/us/politics/coronavirus- vaccine-competition.html)[trials for vaccines are underway](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/us/politics/coronavirus-vaccine- competition.html) in the United States, China and Europe. But American officials and pharmaceutical executives have said that a vaccine remains at least 12 to 18 months away.","It’s felt a lot like 2008, hasn’t it? Peter S. Goodman, an economics correspondent for The Times, says there’s a key difference between that economic turmoil and today’s: the utter unpredictability of the outbreak’s spread. “The disaster feels eerily familiar, with trillions of dollars in wealth annihilated near-daily and deepening fears that businesses will fail,” [he writes](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/business/coronavirus-global- economy.html). “Yet the traditional policy prescriptions seem no match for the affliction at hand.”  The very means of controlling the health crisis — keeping workers home, limiting travel and disrupting commerce — risk making the economic crisis worse.  “A sense of powerlessness is feeding the fear that is prompting investors to dump anything risky, which is in turn damaging economic prospects and reinforcing fear — a feedback loop,” he writes."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How can I help?,"[Charity Navigator](https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=7779), which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the [American Red Cross](https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate- blood/dlp/coronavirus--covid-19--and-blood-donation.html), and [World Central Kitchen](https://wck.org/) has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities. More than 30,000 coronavirus-related [GoFundMe fund- raisers](https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/covid19) have started in the past few weeks. (The sheer number of fund-raisers [means more of them are likely to fail ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/style/gofundme-coronavirus.html)to meet their goal, though.)","The legislation would send direct payments of $1,200 to millions of Americans, including those earning up to $75,000, and an additional $500 per child. It expands jobless aid, providing an additional 13 weeks and a four-month enhancement of benefits, and extends the payments for the first time to freelancers and gig workers.  The measure would also offer $377 billion in federally guaranteed loans to small businesses and establish a $500 billion government lending program for distressed companies reeling from the impact of the crisis, including allowing the administration the ability to take equity stakes in airlines that received aid to help compensate taxpayers. It would also send $100 billion to hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How can I get help?,"This is a fast-moving crisis, and the social, medical and economic fallout is going to affect millions of people for months to come.  There are many places you can go for help, whether you need relief from bills or are worried about becoming sick.  There’s a lot of information below about specific situations. Here’s a quick guide to some of the big ones that might be on your mind.","Around the world, a number of senior officials from Iran to Australia have contracted the virus. The British prime minister, Boris Johnson, announced on March 27 that [he tested positive](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/world/europe/boris-johnson- coronavirus.html). Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, said he was putting himself in isolation after his wife tested positive.  [President Trump tested negative for the coronavirus](https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/03/14/us/politics/ap-us- virus-outbreak-trump.html), officials said. Mr. Trump had been in contact with two Brazilian officials who tested positive days after meeting him in Florida. Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami, who also met the Brazilian delegation, said he tested positive. At least three members of Congress have tested positive for the coronavirus, including Senator Rand Paul."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Help me understand the economic fallout.,"It’s felt a lot like 2008, hasn’t it? Peter S. Goodman, an economics correspondent for The Times, says there’s a key difference between that economic turmoil and today’s: the utter unpredictability of the outbreak’s spread. “The disaster feels eerily familiar, with trillions of dollars in wealth annihilated near-daily and deepening fears that businesses will fail,” [he writes](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/business/coronavirus-global- economy.html). “Yet the traditional policy prescriptions seem no match for the affliction at hand.”  The very means of controlling the health crisis — keeping workers home, limiting travel and disrupting commerce — risk making the economic crisis worse.  “A sense of powerlessness is feeding the fear that is prompting investors to dump anything risky, which is in turn damaging economic prospects and reinforcing fear — a feedback loop,” he writes.","So, you’re at home, like millions of other Americans. There are some simple practices there that you can follow to help reduce the risk of being exposed to or spreading the virus. Always remember the basics, like washing your hands frequently (and reminding members of your household to do so) and having two weeks worth of meals and any other essentials.  But don’t forget about cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily; that includes the interior of your vehicle, like the steering wheel. And when doing laundry, use the warmest appropriate setting and dry items fully."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,I heard that Americans were getting checks. What’s that about?,"__ With the $2 trillion stimulus legislation passed by Congress on March 27, federal lawmakers agreed to provide $1,200 in direct payments to millions of Americans. How much you receive [depends on your income.](https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-stimulus-package- questions-answers.html) Single adults with Social Security numbers who have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will get the full amount of $1,200. Married couples with no children earning $150,000 or less will receive a total of $2,400. And taxpayers filing as head of household will get the full payment if they earned $112,500 or less. For every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment will be an additional $500.  If you earn above these income figures, the payment decreases until it stops completely for single people earning $99,000 or married people who have no children and earn $198,000. According to the Senate Finance Committee, a family with two children will no longer be eligible for any payments if their income is above $218,000. In any given family and in most instances, everyone must have a valid Social Security number in order to be eligible.","__ No. If you qualify, the Internal Revenue Service already has your bank account information, it will transfer the money to you via direct deposit based on the recent income-tax figures it already has. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin [said](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/world/coronavirus- news-live.html#link-6b422738) he expected most people to get their payments in April."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,"I’m a college student, will I get anything?","__ If you’re listed as a dependent on a tax return, then no. Students under age 24 are often dependents in the eyes of the taxing authorities if a parent pays for at least half of their expenses.","[Relief International](https://www.ri.org/donate/), which operates in 16 countries throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia, has focused some of its efforts on helping Iran, where more than 20,000 infections and at least 1,500 deaths have been reported.  [Heart to Heart International](https://www.hearttoheart.org/covid-19-update/) is distributing urgently needed equipment and medication to its partners around the world. Medical supplies are also being delivered to providers on the front lines."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Do I have to apply to receive a payment?,"__ No. If you qualify, the Internal Revenue Service already has your bank account information, it will transfer the money to you via direct deposit based on the recent income-tax figures it already has. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin [said](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/world/coronavirus- news-live.html#link-6b422738) he expected most people to get their payments in April.","Before you talk to your children, it’s important to [understand your own anxiety and keep it in check.](https://parenting.nytimes.com/childrens- health/coronavirus-kids-talk) If your child is worried about the coronavirus, listen to him or her, rather than respond with comments like, “It’ll be fine.” Dismissive reactions can make children feel like they’re not being heard, said Abi Gewirtz, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Minnesota.  Emphasize the importance of washing hands after using the bathroom and before or after meals. Children (and adults) should sing [“Happy Birthday” ](https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html)twice to make sure they’ve been washing their hands for at least 20 seconds. You should also frame school cancellation as positive — more time to have more fun at home! — and encourage your children to get exercise."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How does unemployment insurance work?,"__ The [stimulus plan](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/us/politics/whats- in-coronavirus-stimulus-bill.html) includes a significant expansion of unemployment benefits that would extend jobless insurance by 13 weeks. The program is aimed to help freelancers, part-time workers, furloughed employees and gig workers, such as Uber drivers, as well as full-time employees who have lost their jobs.  States have set their own rules for eligibility and benefits, which are generally calculated as a percentage of your income over the past year, up to a certain maximum. Some states are more generous than others, but unemployment typically replaces about 45 percent of your lost income. Under the plan, eligible workers would get an extra $600 per week on top of their state benefit.  One important note: You might not have to lose your job to qualify. If you’re quarantined or have been furloughed — and you’re not being paid but expect to return to your job eventually — you may be able to get unemployment benefits.","In places where officials have called for workplaces to be shuttered, there are exemptions for “essential” services and businesses. Those institutions can remain open for customers and have workers onsite.  In the United States there are[ ](https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical- infrastructure-during-covid-19)[federal guidelines](https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during- covid-19) for what is considered an essential service, but decisions are often made at the state level. For example, here are some lists of essential services in[ ](http://www.apple.com)[New York](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-issues-guidance- essential-services-under-new-york-state-pause-executive-order),[ ](https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-essential- services)[Massachusetts](https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-essential- services),[ ](https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential- needs/)[California](https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential- needs/) and[ ](https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/FAQ/Pages/Stay-At- Home- FAQS.aspx#qst7)[Illinois](https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/FAQ/Pages/Stay- At-Home-FAQS.aspx#qst7). All four states consider pharmacies, gas stations, laundromats and groceries to be essential, and all of them say restaurants can stay open for take-out and delivery orders.  Typically, essential services also include utilities, telecommunications and transportation providers; animal shelters and veterinary services; manufacturers and distributors of basic goods; and child care for those who work in essential services."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,I’m having trouble paying my bills. What can I do?,"__**Student loans** The Department of Education has granted a payment waiver of at least 60 days to many people. But it’s not necessarily automatic. In general, you have to call your loan servicer to request a waiver and to make sure that your loan is eligible. The waiver does not apply to private student loans. One big private lender, Sallie Mae, said it is offering suspension of payment for up to three months, with no damage to a borrower’s credit.  With the stimulus package, there will be [automatic payment suspensions for any student loan](https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-stimulus- package-questions-answers.html) held by the federal government until Sept. 30. It may be hard to contact many of the loan servicers right now, so check your account online in the coming weeks.  **Utility bills** Some utility providers are offering to stop cutting people off for nonpayment. A number of large internet companies have agreed not to terminate residential or small-business customers who can’t pay their bills. Exact policies and requirements vary, though, so if you need help, you should call and ask.  **Housing** There’s also a good chance you can delay your mortgage payment if the outbreak has left you short of money. The Federal Housing Finance Agency has instructed mortgage servicers to allow borrowers whose mortgages are owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to delay payments. If you rent, the best national resource we’ve found so far is the search-by-state function on [Justshelter.org](https://justshelter.org/community-resources/). This offers information on local organizations that can provide advice to renters in distress.  **Loans and credit** Many consumer lenders are offering affected customers help if they can’t make payments. The American Bankers Association has a list of lenders here, although the help they’re offering varies. Some say they will allow borrowers to skip payments; some are offering other accommodations.",[The latest C.D.C. advice](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home- patients.html#st1) for people with Covid-19 who had symptoms is that they no longer need to self-isolate when:  • they have had no fever for at least a full 72 hours without the use of medicine and  • other symptoms have gotten better and  • at least seven days have passed since their symptoms first started.  But the guidance on this is changing all the time as we learn more.
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,I don’t have health insurance. What can I do?,"__ If you lost your job (and with it your health insurance), or even if you never signed up for a policy, you may have options. Some states and employers have loosened the rules around when you can sign up for insurance because of the pandemic.  There’s also the possibility of continuing your job-based coverage under a law known as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA; applying for Medicaid with your state agency; or getting an individual plan at Healthcare.gov. [It depends on your circumstances](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/upshot/coronavirus-health- insurance-faq.html) which route makes sense.","Everyone should be concerned about contracting the new coronavirus — if not for yourself, then to protect others who are at risk of becoming severely ill. As with the flu, the virus is more dangerous for people who are older than 60, people who have a weakened immune system, and people with an underlying condition, like diabetes, asthma or another chronic illness."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What should I do with my 401(k)?,"__ Watching your balance go up and down can be scary. You may be wondering if you should decrease your contributions —[don’t](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/business/coronavirus-401k-contributions.html)! In fact, if your employer matches any part of your contributions, make sure you’re at least saving as much as you can to get that “free money.”  Many components of the stimulus package, passed on March 27, include changes to rules regarding retirement account withdrawals, borrowing and penalties.","This is a difficult question, because a lot depends on[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/20/us/coronavirus-model-us- outbreak.html)[how well the virus is contained](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/20/us/coronavirus- model-us-outbreak.html).  In places including China, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, fierce efforts to contain the virus appear to have[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/19/world/coronavirus-flatten- the-curve-countries.html)[reduced the number of new cases](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/19/world/coronavirus- flatten-the-curve-countries.html).  In the United States, forecasts differ depending on where you live. New York City, Seattle, Boston and parts of California already have such large outbreaks that they will probably see significant growth even after taking extraordinary preventive measures, according to Columbia University researchers who used a New York Times [database](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us- cases.html) and Census Bureau data to model outcomes.  Some experts have[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/health/coronavirus- shut-down.html)[guessed, optimistically,](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/health/coronavirus-shut- down.html) that the virus could abate in about two months, although that does not mean that public life would go back to normal. The more we take early precautions to protect our communities, like practicing social distancing, the better the results will be.  If measures to slow the disease aren’t effective, the virus could sicken millions of people, losing steam on the coasts in May before spreading to the rest of the country over the summer.  Clinical[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/us/politics/coronavirus- vaccine-competition.html)[trials for vaccines are underway](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/us/politics/coronavirus-vaccine- competition.html) in the United States, China and Europe. But American officials and pharmaceutical executives have said that a vaccine remains at least 12 to 18 months away."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Should I be putting my money in a mattress?,"That’s not a good idea. Even if you’re retired, having a balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds so that your money keeps up with inflation, or even grows, makes sense. But you may want to think about having enough cash[ to cover basic needs](https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-money-advice.html) if you’re retired. One financial planner recommended that retirees set aside enough cash for a year’s worth of living expenses and big payments needed over the next five years.",[The latest C.D.C. advice](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home- patients.html#st1) for people with Covid-19 who had symptoms is that they no longer need to self-isolate when:  • they have had no fever for at least a full 72 hours without the use of medicine and  • other symptoms have gotten better and  • at least seven days have passed since their symptoms first started.  But the guidance on this is changing all the time as we learn more.
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Should I refinance my mortgage?,"It could be a good idea, but lenders are overwhelmed right now, so expect the process of shopping and closing to take time. When mortgage rates fall to record lows, as we’ve seen in recent weeks, refinancing can be a good way to save some extra cash or [to shorten your loan term](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/business/mortgage-refinance- delays.html) and pay it off faster. If you shorten your loan term to 15 years from 30 years, your monthly payments are likely to rise, but you’ll have more flexibility in your budget sooner than you would’ve had.","With so much advice telling people to stay home, it can be hard to know when emergency treatment is necessary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said these symptoms should prompt you to seek emergency care.  • Difficulty breathing  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest  • Confusion or inability to arouse  • Bluish lips or face  • Any other symptom that is severe or concerning"
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What do I do about my taxes?,"The United States has moved the federal tax-filing deadline to July 15, giving Americans an additional three months to file their income tax returns.  Some states are also making changes. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is tracking those [on its website](https://www.aicpa.org/content/dam/aicpa/advocacy/tax/downloadabledocuments/coronavirus- state-filing-relief.pdf).","Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. Some people have also reported [losing their sense of smell](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-symptoms-smell- taste.html).  Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Will I be paid if I’m told to stay home?,"A coronavirus emergency relief package, passed by Congress in mid-March, gives qualified workers [two weeks of paid sick leave](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/upshot/coronavirus-paid-leave- guide.html) if they are ill, quarantined or seeking a diagnosis or preventive care for the coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus.  Many workers at small and midsize companies and nonprofits can get the paid leave, as can government employees, as long as they’ve been employed at least 30 days. The law includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But it excludes those at companies with more than 500 people, including many front-line employees at many major retailers and fast-food restaurants.  Workers at places with fewer than 50 employees are included, but the Labor Department could exempt small businesses if providing leave would put them out of business. Employers can also decline to give leave to workers on the front lines of the crisis: health care providers and emergency responders.","__ No. If you qualify, the Internal Revenue Service already has your bank account information, it will transfer the money to you via direct deposit based on the recent income-tax figures it already has. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin [said](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/world/coronavirus- news-live.html#link-6b422738) he expected most people to get their payments in April."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How worried should I be about getting sick?,"Everyone should be concerned about contracting the new coronavirus — if not for yourself, then to protect others who are at risk of becoming severely ill. As with the flu, the virus is more dangerous for people who are older than 60, people who have a weakened immune system, and people with an underlying condition, like diabetes, asthma or another chronic illness.","It’s felt a lot like 2008, hasn’t it? Peter S. Goodman, an economics correspondent for The Times, says there’s a key difference between that economic turmoil and today’s: the utter unpredictability of the outbreak’s spread. “The disaster feels eerily familiar, with trillions of dollars in wealth annihilated near-daily and deepening fears that businesses will fail,” [he writes](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/business/coronavirus-global- economy.html). “Yet the traditional policy prescriptions seem no match for the affliction at hand.”  The very means of controlling the health crisis — keeping workers home, limiting travel and disrupting commerce — risk making the economic crisis worse.  “A sense of powerlessness is feeding the fear that is prompting investors to dump anything risky, which is in turn damaging economic prospects and reinforcing fear — a feedback loop,” he writes."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?,"Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. Some people have also reported [losing their sense of smell](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-symptoms-smell- taste.html).  Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.","Probably not. For cooked food, heat likely inactivates the virus, though there hasn’t been a study looking at the specific temperatures and conditions.  Of course there’s the concern that your delivery person[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-delivery- workers.html)[who can't afford to stay home](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-delivery- workers.html) has just touched the containers, so you should always wash your hands before eating."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How do I take my temperature?,"Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.  If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.","You shouldn’t. As the outbreak has progressed, officials around the world have banned increasingly smaller gatherings: 500 people, to 250, to 50, to 10. In mid-March, Germany [banned groups](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/world/europe/germany-coronavirus- budget.html) larger than two.  Social distancing means that unless you are already sharing a home with someone, you should not interact with them if you can help it. Instead of having people over for dinner or a game night, try talking to them outside — while you all stay several feet apart."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What should I do if I feel sick?,"If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on how to get tested and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that if you’re sick or think you’re sick, but only mildly ill, you should[ isolate yourself](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when- sick.html), and you shouldn’t leave your house except to go to the doctor.","With airlines cutting trans-Atlantic flights and cruise lines canceling sailings, travel conditions and refund policies are changing daily.  Keep an eye on social media and official communications from your airline, hotel, cruise or wherever you booked to stay up to date with any changes to refund policies. And expect long wait times if you do need to contact a company."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How do I know when it’s bad enough to get help?,"With so much advice telling people to stay home, it can be hard to know when emergency treatment is necessary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said these symptoms should prompt you to seek emergency care.  • Difficulty breathing  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest  • Confusion or inability to arouse  • Bluish lips or face  • Any other symptom that is severe or concerning","There is no proven cure for the coronavirus. But that has not stopped people (and some businesses) from claiming to have found one.  Despite what you may have read online: Gargling with warm water will not keep you from getting the coronavirus. Neither will elderberry syrup or colloidal silver. Essential oils are not a good substitute for hand sanitizer.  The authorities are cracking down on those seeking to capitalize on peoples’ fears and anxieties right now. The F.D.A. [sent warning letters](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/09/health/fda-letter-coronavirus- cures.html) to at least seven companies telling them to stop advertising fraudulent cures and treatments. The New York State attorney general ordered Alex Jones, the conservative radio host, to stop claiming that his diet supplements and toothpaste could be used [to fight the coronavirus](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/nyregion/alex-jones- coronavirus-cure.html)."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What if somebody in my family gets sick?,"If the family member doesn’t need hospitalization and can be cared for at home, you should help him or her with basic needs and monitor the symptoms, while also keeping as much distance as possible, according to [guidelines issued by the C.D.C. in February.](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent- spread.html) If there’s space, the sick family member should stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom to minimize contact with healthy family members. Any shared spaces should have good airflow, such as an open window or an air conditioner, and you shouldn’t allow any visitors except for those who need to be in the house. Your family member should wear a face mask when he or she is around others, and if he or she can’t because of difficulty breathing, you should wear a mask.  Make sure not to share any dishes or other household items with your sick family member and to regularly clean surfaces like counters, doorknobs, toilets and tables. Don’t forget to wash your hands frequently.","It’s a complicated question, right? Officials are telling us to stay indoors and away from others. At the same time, you need food or, as importantly, medicine. But what about the health of the delivery workers who come to your door? How do we keep each other safe?  For [older Americans](https://www.cdc.gov/aging/emergency/pdf/SIP-pan-flu- injects.pdf) and those with health problems who are most at risk if they contract the coronavirus, having goods delivered makes sense. Some companies, [like Postmates](https://blog.postmates.com/introducing-non-contact- deliveries-ac2f23462909) and [Instacart](https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-instacart-delivers- groceries-without-human-contact-2020-3), have begun offering non-contact or curbside deliveries. [European companies](https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/12/europes-deliveroo-and-glovo- switch-on-contactless-delivery-during-covid-19-pandemic/) are doing it, too.  Those services have a large network in place, though, which means their businesses are likely to thrive. Smaller retailers will not as Americans eschew restaurants, bars and specialty stores. That is why some restaurants are promoting delivery services as a way to stay in business, and why some cities that have ordered restaurants and bars to close have made exceptions for places providing delivery and takeout.  But what about delivery workers? Some groups, like Gig Workers Rising, are demanding that employers like Doordash and Instacart do more to protect them on the job. Recently, the group started [a petition](https://www.coworker.org/petitions/demand-gig-economy-companies- give-paid-sick-time-off-during-coronavirus) asking companies to provide paid time off to drivers who become sick during the coronavirus outbreak and cannot work.  The bottom line is this: Online deliveries are a boon for those who cannot leave their homes, as well as small restaurants who fear going out of business. But at the same time it comes with a risk to drivers and delivery workers who fear the loss of income if they get sick. At a minimum, everyone should generously tip their drivers for the service."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Why can’t I just go to the doctor or the emergency room?,"“If you show up unnecessarily, you’re taking care away from people who really need it,” [writes Tara Parker- Pope](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/well/what-if-i-have- coronavirus.html), columnist for Well, The Times’s consumer health section. “Before going to the E.R., stop and ask yourself, ‘Would I go to the E.R. for these symptoms (a cough or fever) under normal circumstances?’ In most cases, the answer is probably no.”  Instead, you should call ahead and ask a doctor or the emergency room for advice. They’re likely to have the most up-to-date information for potential patients in your area, and they’ll tell you what to do next.","Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that infect animals and people. In February, the W.H.O. gave official names to both this virus (SARS-CoV-2, for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and the disease it causes (Covid-19, for coronavirus disease 2019).  You may have heard it called the “new” or “novel” coronavirus, and those mean just what they sound like: that it’s new."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How do I get tested?,"If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the [C.D.C. recommends](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms- testing/testing.html) that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested.  But keep in mind that, [across the country, sick people say they’re not being tested](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/us/coronavirus-testing- challenges.html). The obstacles range from a lack of testing kits to being rejected because you’re asymptomatic.  In other words: There’s a chance you can’t get tested, even if you think you need it.","Gyms are closed, and you can’t get close to people, so contact sports are out of the question. But it’s still possible to get your heart pumping and body moving.  [A running boom is taking off](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/sports/running-exercise- coronavirus.html), courtesy of the coronavirus, and several gyms, health clubs and yoga studios are now [offering classes online](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/style/self-care/isolation-exercise- meditation-coronavirus.html).  “Every little bit of movement counts,” said Dani Johnson, a physical therapist at the [Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program](https://healthyliving.mayoclinic.org/). “So when we’re confined to our home, move, move, move.”  You don’t need fancy equipment or a lot of time; you just need to weave exercise into your schedule."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Why do we need to stay six feet away? What’s magic about that number?,"The coronavirus spreads primarily by droplets from your mouth and nose, especially when you cough or sneeze. While [a recent study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2763852) suggested that gaseous clouds could travel up to 27 feet, six feet is the approximate range of larger droplets that are more likely to be infectious and is the [distance recommended by the C.D.C](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how- covid- spreads.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Ftransmission.html).  Our understanding about this strain of the coronavirus is constantly evolving, though. The [World Health Organization advises](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel- coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public) at least 3 feet of distance.","One of the most important [things you can do to help manage your grief](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/well/family/coronavirus-grief- loss.html) includes acknowledging it in the first place. “The more we can say to ourselves and the people around us, ‘Yes, these are meaningful losses,’ the more seen and soothed we will feel,” Lori Gottlieb, a therapist and author, recently wrote in The Times.  Ms. Gottlieb recommends staying in the present as much as possible, versus thinking about the future or ruminating on things that haven’t happened yet. Try the [“both/and”](https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/03/a-therapists- guide-to-emotional-health-in-a-pandemic/608161/) method: Let yourself feel your loss in the present while simultaneously promoting feelings of safety by taking actions like reading a book or video-chatting a friend. And realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all for grief -- everyone expresses it differently. Let yourself do whatever makes you feel best, whether that’s taking some alone time in your room or stress-cooking."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Is there a vaccine yet?,"Not yet. But in mid-March, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [announced](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/health/coronavirus- vaccine.html) it was beginning the first testing in humans of an experimental vaccine. Such rapid development of a potential vaccine is unprecedented, and it was possible because researchers were able to use what they already knew about related coronaviruses that had caused other outbreaks, of SARS and MERS.  Other companies, using different approaches, are also trying to manufacture coronavirus vaccines. But it’s not certain they’ll work yet.  And despite the rapid progress, even if the vaccine is proved safe and effective against the virus, it will not be available for at least a year.","On March 27, Congress [passed a $2 trillion rescue package](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/us/politics/coronavirus-house- voting.html), the largest economic stimulus measure in modern history, to help the people, businesses and industries affected by the coronavirus outbreak. In its sheer scope and size, the aid plan is unprecedented and touches on every facet of American life.  Its components include stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment coverage that includes the self-employed, student loan changes and much more."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,"I had the coronavirus, or probably did, and I feel fine now. Can I go about my life?",[The latest C.D.C. advice](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home- patients.html#st1) for people with Covid-19 who had symptoms is that they no longer need to self-isolate when:  • they have had no fever for at least a full 72 hours without the use of medicine and  • other symptoms have gotten better and  • at least seven days have passed since their symptoms first started.  But the guidance on this is changing all the time as we learn more.,"There is no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats can spread the coronavirus, according to [the World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/inaugural-who-partners- forum/coronavirus-poster-english-srilanka.pdf?sfvrsn=289dedc3_0) and [the C.D.C.](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/animals.html)  A dog owned by a coronavirus patient in Hong Kong [showed some level of virus](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/science/animals-pets- coronavirus.html) in its nose and mouth, what researchers called a “weak positive.” But health authorities said it was likely a case of a human transmitting it to the dog, not the other way around, and that people should not be worried about the welfare of their pets."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can you get the virus from eating food made by someone who was sick?,"Probably not. For cooked food, heat likely inactivates the virus, though there hasn’t been a study looking at the specific temperatures and conditions.  Of course there’s the concern that your delivery person[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-delivery- workers.html)[who can't afford to stay home](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-delivery- workers.html) has just touched the containers, so you should always wash your hands before eating.","One of the most important [things you can do to help manage your grief](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/well/family/coronavirus-grief- loss.html) includes acknowledging it in the first place. “The more we can say to ourselves and the people around us, ‘Yes, these are meaningful losses,’ the more seen and soothed we will feel,” Lori Gottlieb, a therapist and author, recently wrote in The Times.  Ms. Gottlieb recommends staying in the present as much as possible, versus thinking about the future or ruminating on things that haven’t happened yet. Try the [“both/and”](https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/03/a-therapists- guide-to-emotional-health-in-a-pandemic/608161/) method: Let yourself feel your loss in the present while simultaneously promoting feelings of safety by taking actions like reading a book or video-chatting a friend. And realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all for grief -- everyone expresses it differently. Let yourself do whatever makes you feel best, whether that’s taking some alone time in your room or stress-cooking."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Are people who get sick immune from the virus?,"The answer is a qualified yes, but there’s a lot that isn’t known yet.  If people who survived Covid-19 were known to be immune to the virus, they could venture back outside, and into the workforce, until a vaccine became available for everyone else. In particular, health care workers who are known to be immune could continue to care for severely ill people.  The quickest way to assess immunity to the coronavirus is a test that looks for protective antibodies in the blood of people who have recovered. But first you have to have the test.  Labs around the world are working on such tests, but none are readily accessible quite yet.","Probably not. You'd have to stay about six feet away from your friend. Maybe a bike ride or walk, with some distance between you? Or you could try a video- chat if that's an option."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Should I wear a mask?,"The C.D.C.[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/health/masks-coronavirus- cdc.html)[recommends](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/health/masks- coronavirus-cdc.html) that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This shift in federal guidance, announced by President Trump at a White House briefing, reflects[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic- transmission.html)[new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic- transmission.html).  Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply.  The New York Times and other news outlets had been reporting the C.D.C.’s previous guidance.  Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.","This is a fast-moving crisis, and the social, medical and economic fallout is going to affect millions of people for months to come.  There are many places you can go for help, whether you need relief from bills or are worried about becoming sick.  There’s a lot of information below about specific situations. Here’s a quick guide to some of the big ones that might be on your mind."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Are gloves a good way to protect myself?,"Gloves become a second skin. They themselves could become contaminated (don’t touch your face!) and depending on how they’re made, they might have holes. While gloves may be helpful if someone in your household becomes sick, reducing the amount of times you have to wash your hands, the most effective intervention is just washing your hands.","The C.D.C. has guidelines about laundry. It says do not shake dirty laundry, to minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air. If possible, wash items using the warmest water setting, and dry thoroughly. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people’s items, the C.D.C. said.  Clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry, according to the guidelines for cleaning surfaces.  The need for physical distancing has prompted some laundromats to dismantle their seating areas, according to Planet Laundry, the magazine of the Coin Laundry Association. Some laundromats are asking people to stay in their cars during their wash and dry cycles, and some have removed chairs and tables to discourage people from mingling.  Commercial-grade washers and dryers operate at higher temperatures and with more rigorous mechanical action that, when combined with hot water and proper detergent use, can effectively flush contaminants from clothing better than residential machines, says the association, which represents 30,000 small businesses."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How is it different from the flu?,"The flu and the coronavirus can cause similar symptoms — a whole-body malaise, with a fever, a dry cough and a noticeable shortness of breath — but[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/health/coronavirus-flu.html)[there are differences](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/health/coronavirus-flu.html). Because the symptoms are so similar, doctors will sometimes rule out the flu first.  Spring allergy season tends to trigger many of the same symptoms in many people, adding another diagnostic wrinkle.","No one knows. China began taking [draconian measures](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/world/asia/china-coronavirus- travel.html) to control the coronavirus in late January, and it was not until [almost two months later](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/world/asia/china- coronavirus-zero-infections.html) that it reported no new local infections. South Korea did not lock down cities in the same way, but was extremely fast to test people, trace their contacts and quarantine infected people. And although China and South Korea have demonstrated that, with drastic actions, the virus can be brought under control, there is no guarantee it won’t resurge as their economies restart.  The U.S. has taken a much more piecemeal approach to confronting the virus. To repeat the success of other countries, experts say, [it will take extraordinary coordination and money](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-restrictions- us.html) from the government, and extraordinary trust and cooperation from citizens."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Is there a natural cure for the coronavirus?,"There is no proven cure for the coronavirus. But that has not stopped people (and some businesses) from claiming to have found one.  Despite what you may have read online: Gargling with warm water will not keep you from getting the coronavirus. Neither will elderberry syrup or colloidal silver. Essential oils are not a good substitute for hand sanitizer.  The authorities are cracking down on those seeking to capitalize on peoples’ fears and anxieties right now. The F.D.A. [sent warning letters](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/09/health/fda-letter-coronavirus- cures.html) to at least seven companies telling them to stop advertising fraudulent cures and treatments. The New York State attorney general ordered Alex Jones, the conservative radio host, to stop claiming that his diet supplements and toothpaste could be used [to fight the coronavirus](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/nyregion/alex-jones- coronavirus-cure.html).","Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that infect animals and people. In February, the W.H.O. gave official names to both this virus (SARS-CoV-2, for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and the disease it causes (Covid-19, for coronavirus disease 2019).  You may have heard it called the “new” or “novel” coronavirus, and those mean just what they sound like: that it’s new."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Will the warmer weather stop the spread?,"Scientists are still looking into this.[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/warm-weather- coronavirus.html)[Some studies](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/warm-weather- coronavirus.html) __ suggest that warmer places account for a smaller share of global cases and have had slower infection rates. But none of these findings have been peer-reviewed yet. And even if a certain temperature and humidity diminished the spread, that wouldn’t preclude the virus’ return when the weather cools again.  We are providing free access to the most important news and useful guidance on the coronavirus outbreak to help you understand the pandemic. Get the [latest news and more information here](https://www.nytimes.com/news- event/coronavirus).","The C.D.C.[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/health/masks-coronavirus- cdc.html)[recommends](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/health/masks- coronavirus-cdc.html) that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This shift in federal guidance, announced by President Trump at a White House briefing, reflects[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic- transmission.html)[new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic- transmission.html).  Those who are sick with the coronavirus [can help limit the spread](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/health/us-coronavirus-face- masks.html) of respiratory droplets by wearing a mask, and that applies to those who are asymptomatic or undiagnosed as well. Plus, some organizations are using fabric masks as a temporary stopgap (civilians should not use [medical-grade masks](https://www.nytimes.com/article/face-masks- coronavirus.html), which are in short supply and must be reserved for health care workers on the front line). The Sewing and Craft Alliance is continuously updating a list of [health care facilities](https://www.weneedmasks.org/list/) that have asked for fabric mask donations.  The New York Times and other news outlets had been reporting the C.D.C.’s previous guidance."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What can I do to ease my anxiety about this?,"Some of the most important [measures you can take to help manage anxiety](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/smarter-living/coronavirus- anxiety-tips.html), experts say, include staying informed on the facts, asking for help and practicing self-compassion. For some people, anxiety manifests in feeling helpless or underreacting to what they’re experiencing. Recognize your own agency and start taking care of the common-sense precautionary measures that are within your control, like stocking up on a [couple of extra weeks’ supply](https://www.ready.gov/pandemic) of food or medication.  Maintaining social connection, despite physical distance, is also important. Reach out to others via phone calls, emails or video chats, and talk through the feelings you’re experiencing. It’s important to be gentle with yourself, and maintain any kind of routine you can to have a sense of stability. Practice self-care, whether that means doing an at-home workout, baking, maintaining a regular religious practice or journaling. Focusing on these things can help bring some peace of mind. If your anxiety is debilitating, seek out a mental health professional or other clinical mental health services.","The situation is changing daily, as it becomes clear the outbreak has spread to more parts of the country. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,I’m having trouble sleeping. Any tips?,"While there’s no single trick that works for everyone, one thing you can [try now to improve your sleep](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/style/self- care/sleep-tips-benefits-coronavirus.html) is setting up a consistent schedule. That means sticking to a regular bedtime and wake time. Try to go 90 minutes without any screen time before bed -- that means no emails, social media or watching T.V. You can also take baby steps, beginning with 15 minutes, then working your way up.  Working out, whether that means taking a socially distant walk or doing an at- home routine, can also help tire you out and dispel extra nervous energy. Taking a warm shower or bath 90 minutes before lights out may also help prime you for a better night’s sleep. Be sure to nix the coffee, alcohol and any eating before bed -- these things don’t promote quality rest. Finally, [manage your anxiety](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/style/self-care/sleep-tips- benefits-coronavirus.html) through meditation, deep breathing techniques and, in some cases, medication. If your anxiety is debilitating, seek out a mental health professional or other clinical mental health services.","Of course, eating too much or too little in the short term is not a huge cause of concern for someone who is healthy, [experts said](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/well/how-to-manage-stress-eating-or- not-eating.html). But in the long term, moderation is important. Your body’s physical stress response may affect what kinds of foods you are reaching for, drawing you more toward carbohydrates and foods that are high in fat. Take stock of how any stress and anxiety may have affected your eating habits.  If you think you’re snacking too much when you’re not hungry, it may help to allow some time to pass and distract yourself with another activity before grabbing more food. Try to add some healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables into your routine, if you can.  If you’re regularly not eating enough, find something you can tolerate eating, or drink a calorie-rich beverage, like a protein shake. If you’re forgetting to eat entirely, schedule your mealtimes into your calendar and treat meals like any other essential appointment. You can also set alarms as a reminder to drink some water, or eat something."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How can I deal with grief during this time?,"One of the most important [things you can do to help manage your grief](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/well/family/coronavirus-grief- loss.html) includes acknowledging it in the first place. “The more we can say to ourselves and the people around us, ‘Yes, these are meaningful losses,’ the more seen and soothed we will feel,” Lori Gottlieb, a therapist and author, recently wrote in The Times.  Ms. Gottlieb recommends staying in the present as much as possible, versus thinking about the future or ruminating on things that haven’t happened yet. Try the [“both/and”](https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/03/a-therapists- guide-to-emotional-health-in-a-pandemic/608161/) method: Let yourself feel your loss in the present while simultaneously promoting feelings of safety by taking actions like reading a book or video-chatting a friend. And realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all for grief -- everyone expresses it differently. Let yourself do whatever makes you feel best, whether that’s taking some alone time in your room or stress-cooking.","Having a [conversation with everyone in your household](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/smarter-living/how-you-can-make- your-home-safer.html), particularly children, about what’s going on is a good idea to help manage stress and keep everyone at home on the same page. Maintaining your mental fitness, in addition to physical fitness, is also important. Read a book, play a game, call a friend or just otherwise give yourself a break from the news to take care of your emotional and mental health.  Open your windows to let in some fresh air. To [improve your indoor air quality](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/climate/climate-pollution- coronavirus-lungs.html), turn on the ventilation hood above your stove and open windows when cooking, if you can. If you smoke or vape, you should try to quit, or at the very least limit second hand smoke in the house by stepping outside (while maintaining social distance). And if you can afford an air purifier, it might be a good investment as well."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,"How can I better take care of myself at home, aside from cleaning?","Having a [conversation with everyone in your household](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/smarter-living/how-you-can-make- your-home-safer.html), particularly children, about what’s going on is a good idea to help manage stress and keep everyone at home on the same page. Maintaining your mental fitness, in addition to physical fitness, is also important. Read a book, play a game, call a friend or just otherwise give yourself a break from the news to take care of your emotional and mental health.  Open your windows to let in some fresh air. To [improve your indoor air quality](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/climate/climate-pollution- coronavirus-lungs.html), turn on the ventilation hood above your stove and open windows when cooking, if you can. If you smoke or vape, you should try to quit, or at the very least limit second hand smoke in the house by stepping outside (while maintaining social distance). And if you can afford an air purifier, it might be a good investment as well.","You shouldn’t. But if Skype, FaceTime or another app is an option, you can make a virtual visit. And there’s always the old-fashioned telephone call, too.  The virus is especially bad for older people like your grandma and grandpa, which means it’s even more important for them to [stay away from](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/parenting/grandparents-visit-safety- coronavirus.html) other people. It can be hard, but this keeps them healthier."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,My eating habits have drastically changed. How can I better manage them?,"Of course, eating too much or too little in the short term is not a huge cause of concern for someone who is healthy, [experts said](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/well/how-to-manage-stress-eating-or- not-eating.html). But in the long term, moderation is important. Your body’s physical stress response may affect what kinds of foods you are reaching for, drawing you more toward carbohydrates and foods that are high in fat. Take stock of how any stress and anxiety may have affected your eating habits.  If you think you’re snacking too much when you’re not hungry, it may help to allow some time to pass and distract yourself with another activity before grabbing more food. Try to add some healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables into your routine, if you can.  If you’re regularly not eating enough, find something you can tolerate eating, or drink a calorie-rich beverage, like a protein shake. If you’re forgetting to eat entirely, schedule your mealtimes into your calendar and treat meals like any other essential appointment. You can also set alarms as a reminder to drink some water, or eat something.","It depends. Schools are closed for different lengths of time, and it's unclear when it will be safe to go back. Some schools are trying learning-from-home programs, and others are offering free lunches for pick-up. Ask your parents."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I give blood?,"You can. Donor blood is not being used to treat coronavirus patients, but transfusions are still needed for cases like organ transplants or complications of childbirth.  But thousands of community blood drives have been canceled, cutting short a crucial supply.  The American Red Cross is still collecting donations at blood banks, which have enacted new safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Those measures include checking the temperatures of staff members and donors before they enter a drive facility, providing hand sanitizer for use before and during the donation process, enhancing their disinfection of surfaces and equipment, and spacing beds — when possible — to enable social distancing between donors.  And even if you’re under a stay-at-home order, donating blood is an essential need, so public health officials have made an exception for your trip to the donation center.  To find a donation center, check the American Association of Blood Banks [locator](http://www.aabb.org/tm/donation/Pages/Blood-Bank-Locator.aspx), visit the Red Cross [website](https://www.redcrossblood.org/) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.","__ Watching your balance go up and down can be scary. You may be wondering if you should decrease your contributions —[don’t](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/business/coronavirus-401k-contributions.html)! In fact, if your employer matches any part of your contributions, make sure you’re at least saving as much as you can to get that “free money.”  Many components of the stimulus package, passed on March 27, include changes to rules regarding retirement account withdrawals, borrowing and penalties."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Where can I donate?,"[Charity Navigator](https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=7779), which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. More than 20,000 coronavirus-related [GoFundMe fund- raisers](https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/covid19) have started in the past few weeks. (The sheer number of fund-raisers [means more of them are likely to fail](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/style/gofundme-coronavirus.html) to meet their goal, though.)","The coronavirus spreads primarily by droplets from your mouth and nose, especially when you cough or sneeze. While [a recent study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2763852) suggested that gaseous clouds could travel up to 27 feet, six feet is the approximate range of larger droplets that are more likely to be infectious and is the [distance recommended by the C.D.C](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how- covid- spreads.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Ftransmission.html).  Our understanding about this strain of the coronavirus is constantly evolving, though. The [World Health Organization advises](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel- coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public) at least 3 feet of distance."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Want to give toward medical supplies?,"[Relief International](https://www.ri.org/donate/), which operates in 16 countries throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia, has focused some of its efforts on helping Iran, where more than 20,000 infections and at least 1,500 deaths have been reported.  [Heart to Heart International](https://www.hearttoheart.org/covid-19-update/) is distributing urgently needed equipment and medication to its partners around the world. Medical supplies are also being delivered to providers on the front lines.","You can. Donor blood is not being used to treat coronavirus patients, but transfusions are still needed for cases like organ transplants or complications of childbirth.  But thousands of community blood drives have been canceled, cutting short a crucial supply.  The American Red Cross is still collecting donations at blood banks, which have enacted new safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Those measures include checking the temperatures of staff members and donors before they enter a drive facility, providing hand sanitizer for use before and during the donation process, enhancing their disinfection of surfaces and equipment, and spacing beds — when possible — to enable social distancing between donors.  And even if you’re under a stay-at-home order, donating blood is an essential need, so public health officials have made an exception for your trip to the donation center.  To find a donation center, check the American Association of Blood Banks [locator](http://www.aabb.org/tm/donation/Pages/Blood-Bank-Locator.aspx), visit the Red Cross [website](https://www.redcrossblood.org/) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Want to simply give money?,"[GlobalGiving](https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/coronavirus-relief-fund/) is a large global crowdfunding community that connects nonprofits, donors and companies. It has set a goal of reaching $5 million in donations. Money received will go toward sending emergency medical workers to communities in need, providing medical supplies to hospitals and helping deliver essentials to families.","Authorities in different states have used different phrases while asking people to stay home.  Generally, it means you should limit trips outside except for essential needs. You can still go for walks and exercise, but do it in a way that keeps you several feet away from other people. You can still go to the grocery store, but try to go once a week instead of more frequently. And wash your hands when you come back inside."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,I have a sewing machine. Should I make masks?,"The C.D.C.[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/health/masks-coronavirus- cdc.html)[recommends](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/health/masks- coronavirus-cdc.html) that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This shift in federal guidance, announced by President Trump at a White House briefing, reflects[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic- transmission.html)[new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic- transmission.html).  Those who are sick with the coronavirus [can help limit the spread](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/health/us-coronavirus-face- masks.html) of respiratory droplets by wearing a mask, and that applies to those who are asymptomatic or undiagnosed as well. Plus, some organizations are using fabric masks as a temporary stopgap (civilians should not use [medical-grade masks](https://www.nytimes.com/article/face-masks- coronavirus.html), which are in short supply and must be reserved for health care workers on the front line). The Sewing and Craft Alliance is continuously updating a list of [health care facilities](https://www.weneedmasks.org/list/) that have asked for fabric mask donations.  The New York Times and other news outlets had been reporting the C.D.C.’s previous guidance.","This decision is personal and depends on your tolerance for risk. Many places around the world have ordered — or strongly urged — residents to stay indoors, unless they absolutely need to be outside.  If you can avoid the subway, that may be smart, but if you can’t, there are things you can do to minimize your risk. Avoid jam-packed cars. If you need to hold onto a pole, use a disposable glove that you can throw away when you leave the subway.[ Avoid touching your face.](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/05/health/stop-touching-your-face- coronavirus.html) At the grocery store, wipe the handle of the grocery cart with a disinfecting wipe and wash your hands as soon as you get home."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,I have older neighbors. How can I help them?,"Older people seem to be particularly susceptible to contracting the coronavirus, according to health officials. Some are staying at home and, as a precaution, may not open their doors to visitors.  One way to check on homebound older residents without jeopardizing their health is to call or send a text, [said Eric. S. Goldstein](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/nyregion/nyc-coronavirus-help- volunteer.html), the chief executive officer of the UJA-Federation of New York, which provides food, health care and other services to people in need.  If telephone calls and texts are not an option, “talk through the door,” Mr. Goldstein said. Because some people may recoil at the suggestion that they are not self-sufficient, Mr. Goldstein suggested offering to help in a low-key way, such as saying, “I’m running to the market, can I get you anything?”","You shouldn’t. But if Skype, FaceTime or another app is an option, you can make a virtual visit. And there’s always the old-fashioned telephone call, too.  The virus is especially bad for older people like your grandma and grandpa, which means it’s even more important for them to [stay away from](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/parenting/grandparents-visit-safety- coronavirus.html) other people. It can be hard, but this keeps them healthier."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What does ‘stay at home’ mean?,"Authorities in different states have used different phrases while asking people to stay home.  Generally, it means you should limit trips outside except for essential needs. You can still go for walks and exercise, but do it in a way that keeps you several feet away from other people. You can still go to the grocery store, but try to go once a week instead of more frequently. And wash your hands when you come back inside.","__ Watching your balance go up and down can be scary. You may be wondering if you should decrease your contributions —[don’t](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/business/coronavirus-401k-contributions.html)! In fact, if your employer matches any part of your contributions, make sure you’re at least saving as much as you can to get that “free money.”  Many components of the stimulus package, passed on March 27, include changes to rules regarding retirement account withdrawals, borrowing and penalties."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,I’m stuck inside. Help?,"Stay home to [flatten the curve](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/science/coronavirus-curve- mitigation-infection.html), and don’t lose your mind by doing different activities like working your way through the [best 50 movies on Netflix right now](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/arts/television/best-movies-on- netflix.html), or by checking out the books on the nightstand you’ve been ignoring. Looking for new reading material? Check out this list of [52 books for 52 places](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/28/books/travel- reading-52-books-for-52-places-2020.html) so you can escape to a far away destination without dealing with travel restrictions or risk of illness.  Be sure to get up and stretch, because [exercise](https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/how-to-build-muscle) can help burn off pent up energy. Here’s a [quick guide to an at-home workout](https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/204-strength-home- workout-1/ac351695049524bfb879/optimized/full.pdf) where the only equipment you need is a resistance band. While you’re moving, spend some time disinfecting surfaces in your home to keep everything clean. The C.D.C. [recommends you clean and disinfect](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html) high-contact surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks every day.  And check in with your loved ones. Social distancing doesn’t mean disconnecting from those you care about, and older relatives and friends are susceptible to loneliness, which researchers have found [comes with its own set of health hazard](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/06/health/lonliness- aging-health-effects.html)s. So make sure to FaceTime your parents and grandparents.  And if you have done all of those things, [watch this video](https://twitter.com/Schwarzenegger/status/1239383795205169152) of Arnold Schwarzenegger feeding a pony and a donkey in his kitchen.","It depends. Schools are closed for different lengths of time, and it's unclear when it will be safe to go back. Some schools are trying learning-from-home programs, and others are offering free lunches for pick-up. Ask your parents."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I make my home safer?,"So, you’re at home, like millions of other Americans. There are some simple practices there that you can follow to help reduce the risk of being exposed to or spreading the virus. Always remember the basics, like washing your hands frequently (and reminding members of your household to do so) and having two weeks worth of meals and any other essentials.  But don’t forget about cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily; that includes the interior of your vehicle, like the steering wheel. And when doing laundry, use the warmest appropriate setting and dry items fully.","Authorities in different states have used different phrases while asking people to stay home.  Generally, it means you should limit trips outside except for essential needs. You can still go for walks and exercise, but do it in a way that keeps you several feet away from other people. You can still go to the grocery store, but try to go once a week instead of more frequently. And wash your hands when you come back inside."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Is it ethical to order delivery in a pandemic?,"It’s a complicated question, right? Officials are telling us to stay indoors and away from others. At the same time, you need food or, as importantly, medicine. But what about the health of the delivery workers who come to your door? How do we keep each other safe?  For [older Americans](https://www.cdc.gov/aging/emergency/pdf/SIP-pan-flu- injects.pdf) and those with health problems who are most at risk if they contract the coronavirus, having goods delivered makes sense. Some companies, [like Postmates](https://blog.postmates.com/introducing-non-contact- deliveries-ac2f23462909) and [Instacart](https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-instacart-delivers- groceries-without-human-contact-2020-3), have begun offering non-contact or curbside deliveries. [European companies](https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/12/europes-deliveroo-and-glovo- switch-on-contactless-delivery-during-covid-19-pandemic/) are doing it, too.  Those services have a large network in place, though, which means their businesses are likely to thrive. Smaller retailers will not as Americans eschew restaurants, bars and specialty stores. That is why some restaurants are promoting delivery services as a way to stay in business, and why some cities that have ordered restaurants and bars to close have made exceptions for places providing delivery and takeout.  But what about delivery workers? Some groups, like Gig Workers Rising, are demanding that employers like Doordash and Instacart do more to protect them on the job. Recently, the group started [a petition](https://www.coworker.org/petitions/demand-gig-economy-companies- give-paid-sick-time-off-during-coronavirus) asking companies to provide paid time off to drivers who become sick during the coronavirus outbreak and cannot work.  The bottom line is this: Online deliveries are a boon for those who cannot leave their homes, as well as small restaurants who fear going out of business. But at the same time it comes with a risk to drivers and delivery workers who fear the loss of income if they get sick. At a minimum, everyone should generously tip their drivers for the service.","Yes! Getting exercise outside is a great alternative to going to the gym, where touching high-contact equipment can pose a risk (if your gym is even still open). A [study last year found infectious germs](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6339305/) on about a third of the surfaces at 16 different fitness facilities. Exercise boosts our immune systems, and even a single workout can improve our ability to fight off germs, [according to the latest research](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/well/move/exercise-immunity- infection-coronavirus.html). Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How do I make working at home easier? __,"It’s a tough one. The writer Jen A. Miller [offers these tips](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/smarter-living/how-to-work-from-home- if-youve-never-done-it-before.html): Keep the same schedule, schedule breaks and proactively stay in touch with others to avoid suffering from isolation. That could mean emailing colleagues more often or holding video conferences to keep in touch. If all else fails, [get a dog.](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/smarter-living/how-to-work-from-home- if-youve-never-done-it-before.html) At the end of the day, put away your laptop and other work materials so that you can unwind.","With airlines cutting trans-Atlantic flights and cruise lines canceling sailings, travel conditions and refund policies are changing daily.  Keep an eye on social media and official communications from your airline, hotel, cruise or wherever you booked to stay up to date with any changes to refund policies. And expect long wait times if you do need to contact a company."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Should I stock up on groceries?,"No one knows how long many of us will have to work from or stay home, so having food and supplies on hand is essential. Melissa Clark, a cookbook author and food writer for the Times, [recently wrote about ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/06/dining/how-to-stock-a- pantry.html)stocking your pantry.  But experts say people should not hoard food or supplies. Despite the empty appearance of store shelves, food suppliers and retailers [say the supply chain remains strong](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/15/business/coronavirus- food-shortages.html). In the meantime, plan two weeks of meals. Substitute ingredients if you are missing something. Be creative. And don’t forget to be generous with your neighbors.","The health minister of France, Olivier Véran, recently left global health officials puzzled when he [warned that people](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-ibuprofen.html) ill with the coronavirus should stay away from painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin. He said such nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, or Nsaids, could aggravate symptoms of the coronavirus, and suggested that people take acetaminophen instead.  Because the coronavirus is a new pathogen, there is not a lot known on how patients respond to common medications, but other experts pushed back on the French minister’s warning.  “It’s all anecdote, and fake news off the anecdotes,” said Dr. Garret FitzGerald, chair of the department of pharmacology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.  The World Health Organization has said that it is aware of no research showing that ibuprofen should not be taken by patients with Covid-19, and the F.D.A. said it was investigating the issue further and would provide more information when it becomes available."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I have friends over?,"You shouldn’t. As the outbreak has progressed, officials around the world have banned increasingly smaller gatherings: 500 people, to 250, to 50, to 10. In mid-March, Germany [banned groups](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/world/europe/germany-coronavirus- budget.html) larger than two.  Social distancing means that unless you are already sharing a home with someone, you should not interact with them if you can help it. Instead of having people over for dinner or a game night, try talking to them outside — while you all stay several feet apart.","The federal government can impose quarantines under the Public Health Service Act to prevent the spread of communicable disease into the United States or between states. They’re [considered a measure of last resort](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/us/coronavirus-quarantine- questions.html) when there’s no other way to stop the spread of a deadly disease. On the state and local level, the laws vary depending on the region.  Still, the U.S. government doesn’t have the authority to impose a quarantine as sweeping as China, which confined some 70 million people in the largest effort in history. In the U.S., quarantines have been very rare. The last one was in the 1960s against a suspected smallpox outbreak. Health warnings are more common, like in 2016 when the C.D.C. advised pregnant women to avoid Southern Florida during an outbreak of the Zika virus."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I still get mail?,"The U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx are still delivering the mail, but to continue doing so requires a healthy work force, and at least 20 postal workers have tested positive for the virus. Workers for UPS and FedEx [share similar fears](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/us/coronavirus-post-office- workers.html) about contracting the virus, especially at warehouses where the mail is handled. Increasingly, letter carriers and delivery people are leaving packages on doorsteps and limiting close interaction with residents.  A recent study found that the virus disintegrates over about 24 hours on cardboard, suggesting that packages may have only low levels of the virus — unless the delivery person has coughed or sneezed on it or has handled it with contaminated hands. If you are concerned about the risk, wipe down packages with disinfectant wipes and wash your hands.","One of the most important [things you can do to help manage your grief](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/well/family/coronavirus-grief- loss.html) includes acknowledging it in the first place. “The more we can say to ourselves and the people around us, ‘Yes, these are meaningful losses,’ the more seen and soothed we will feel,” Lori Gottlieb, a therapist and author, recently wrote in The Times.  Ms. Gottlieb recommends staying in the present as much as possible, versus thinking about the future or ruminating on things that haven’t happened yet. Try the [“both/and”](https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/03/a-therapists- guide-to-emotional-health-in-a-pandemic/608161/) method: Let yourself feel your loss in the present while simultaneously promoting feelings of safety by taking actions like reading a book or video-chatting a friend. And realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all for grief -- everyone expresses it differently. Let yourself do whatever makes you feel best, whether that’s taking some alone time in your room or stress-cooking."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How can I exercise if I’m cooped up all day?,"Gyms are closed, and you can’t get close to people, so contact sports are out of the question. But it’s still possible to get your heart pumping and body moving.  [A running boom is taking off](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/sports/running-exercise- coronavirus.html), courtesy of the coronavirus, and several gyms, health clubs and yoga studios are now [offering classes online](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/style/self-care/isolation-exercise- meditation-coronavirus.html).  “Every little bit of movement counts,” said Dani Johnson, a physical therapist at the [Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program](https://healthyliving.mayoclinic.org/). “So when we’re confined to our home, move, move, move.”  You don’t need fancy equipment or a lot of time; you just need to weave exercise into your schedule.","Unlike the flu, there is no known treatment or vaccine, and little is known about this particular virus so far. It seems to be more lethal than the flu, but the numbers are still uncertain. And it hits the elderly and those with underlying conditions particularly hard — not just those with respiratory diseases."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I get my pet sick? Can my pet get me sick?,"There is no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats can spread the coronavirus, according to [the World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/inaugural-who-partners- forum/coronavirus-poster-english-srilanka.pdf?sfvrsn=289dedc3_0) and [the C.D.C.](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/animals.html)  A dog owned by a coronavirus patient in Hong Kong [showed some level of virus](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/science/animals-pets- coronavirus.html) in its nose and mouth, what researchers called a “weak positive.” But health authorities said it was likely a case of a human transmitting it to the dog, not the other way around, and that people should not be worried about the welfare of their pets.","Depending on where you want to go, not easily. In March, as more and more governments around the world hoped to slow the spread of the coronavirus, they[ began to impose travel restrictions](https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-travel- restrictions.html) and even close their borders.  In the United States, President Trump has said he is considering some restrictions on domestic travel. (The military has curtailed domestic travel for service members and their families.)  And if you do go anywhere, remember to [practice social distancing](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/smarter-living/coronavirus- social-distancing.html): stay away from groups and keep at least six feet of distance between you and other people."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,My kids are scared. What can I tell them?,"Before you talk to your children, it’s important to [understand your own anxiety and keep it in check.](https://parenting.nytimes.com/childrens- health/coronavirus-kids-talk) If your child is worried about the coronavirus, listen to him or her, rather than respond with comments like, “It’ll be fine.” Dismissive reactions can make children feel like they’re not being heard, said Abi Gewirtz, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Minnesota.  Emphasize the importance of washing hands after using the bathroom and before or after meals. Children (and adults) should sing [“Happy Birthday” ](https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html)twice to make sure they’ve been washing their hands for at least 20 seconds. You should also frame school cancellation as positive — more time to have more fun at home! — and encourage your children to get exercise.","__ If you lost your job (and with it your health insurance), or even if you never signed up for a policy, you may have options. Some states and employers have loosened the rules around when you can sign up for insurance because of the pandemic.  There’s also the possibility of continuing your job-based coverage under a law known as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA; applying for Medicaid with your state agency; or getting an individual plan at Healthcare.gov. [It depends on your circumstances](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/upshot/coronavirus-health- insurance-faq.html) which route makes sense."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,"My state isn’t under any orders to stay at home. So I don’t have to, right?","The situation is changing daily, as it becomes clear the outbreak has spread to more parts of the country. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.","Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that infect animals and people. In February, the W.H.O. gave official names to both this virus (SARS-CoV-2, for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and the disease it causes (Covid-19, for coronavirus disease 2019).  You may have heard it called the “new” or “novel” coronavirus, and those mean just what they sound like: that it’s new."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I go to the park?,"Yes! Getting exercise outside is a great alternative to going to the gym, where touching high-contact equipment can pose a risk (if your gym is even still open). A [study last year found infectious germs](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6339305/) on about a third of the surfaces at 16 different fitness facilities. Exercise boosts our immune systems, and even a single workout can improve our ability to fight off germs, [according to the latest research](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/well/move/exercise-immunity- infection-coronavirus.html). Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.","It seems to spread very easily from person to person, especially in homes, hospitals and other confined spaces. The pathogen can be carried on tiny respiratory droplets that fall as they are coughed or sneezed out."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Should I get on the subway? Go to the grocery store?,"This decision is personal and depends on your tolerance for risk. Many places around the world have ordered — or strongly urged — residents to stay indoors, unless they absolutely need to be outside.  If you can avoid the subway, that may be smart, but if you can’t, there are things you can do to minimize your risk. Avoid jam-packed cars. If you need to hold onto a pole, use a disposable glove that you can throw away when you leave the subway.[ Avoid touching your face.](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/05/health/stop-touching-your-face- coronavirus.html) At the grocery store, wipe the handle of the grocery cart with a disinfecting wipe and wash your hands as soon as you get home.","With so much advice telling people to stay home, it can be hard to know when emergency treatment is necessary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said these symptoms should prompt you to seek emergency care.  • Difficulty breathing  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest  • Confusion or inability to arouse  • Bluish lips or face  • Any other symptom that is severe or concerning"
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What’s an essential service? Who decides that?,"In places where officials have called for workplaces to be shuttered, there are exemptions for “essential” services and businesses. Those institutions can remain open for customers and have workers onsite.  In the United States there are[ ](https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical- infrastructure-during-covid-19)[federal guidelines](https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during- covid-19) for what is considered an essential service, but decisions are often made at the state level. For example, here are some lists of essential services in[ ](http://www.apple.com)[New York](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-issues-guidance- essential-services-under-new-york-state-pause-executive-order),[ ](https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-essential- services)[Massachusetts](https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-essential- services),[ ](https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential- needs/)[California](https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential- needs/) and[ ](https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/FAQ/Pages/Stay-At- Home- FAQS.aspx#qst7)[Illinois](https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/FAQ/Pages/Stay- At-Home-FAQS.aspx#qst7). All four states consider pharmacies, gas stations, laundromats and groceries to be essential, and all of them say restaurants can stay open for take-out and delivery orders.  Typically, essential services also include utilities, telecommunications and transportation providers; animal shelters and veterinary services; manufacturers and distributors of basic goods; and child care for those who work in essential services.","People around the United States are being told to stay home, but you might still need to make a road trip, whether to care for a loved one or for work.  If so, follow a general rule: “Don’t go far, stay in your car,” said Robert Sinclair Jr., a Northeast regional spokesman for AAA.  Mr. Sinclair offered other advice. When pumping gas, sanitize your hands after replacing the pump and before you touch the car door handle, steering wheel and any other part of the vehicle. If an attendant pumped the gas for you, sanitize your credit card after it is handed back to you.  Minimize bathroom breaks as much as possible. While this advice goes against AAA’s general advice to take a break every 100 miles, Mr. Sinclair said drivers could rest in vehicles at scenic overlooks or in parking lots of rest stops. Otherwise, wash your hands after using a public restroom and before touching your car.  And remember: With guidelines on travel changing rapidly state by state, the rules at your starting point may be different than the rules at your destination."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What are my rights if I’m worried about going to work?,"Employers have to provide[ ](https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/standards.html)[a safe workplace](https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/standards.html) with policies that protect everyone equally. And if one of your co-workers tests positive for Covid-19, the C.D.C. has said that[ ](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business- response.html)[employers should tell their employees](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance- business-response.html) \-- without giving you the sick employee’s name -- that they may have been exposed to the virus.  [Many states have stay-at-home orders](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-stay-at-home- order.html), but even if your employment is exempt and requires you to come in, you could still ask about working from home. Otherwise, you’d probably have to use paid time off or take a leave of absence — if that’s an option.","The health minister of France, Olivier Véran, recently left global health officials puzzled when he [warned that people](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-ibuprofen.html) ill with the coronavirus should stay away from painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin. He said such nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, or Nsaids, could aggravate symptoms of the coronavirus, and suggested that people take acetaminophen instead.  Because the coronavirus is a new pathogen, there is not a lot known on how patients respond to common medications, but other experts pushed back on the French minister’s warning.  “It’s all anecdote, and fake news off the anecdotes,” said Dr. Garret FitzGerald, chair of the department of pharmacology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.  The World Health Organization has said that it is aware of no research showing that ibuprofen should not be taken by patients with Covid-19, and the F.D.A. said it was investigating the issue further and would provide more information when it becomes available."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I take my laundry to a laundromat? Is that safe?,"The C.D.C. has guidelines about laundry. It says do not shake dirty laundry, to minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air. If possible, wash items using the warmest water setting, and dry thoroughly. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people’s items, the C.D.C. said.  Clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry, according to the guidelines for cleaning surfaces.  The need for physical distancing has prompted some laundromats to dismantle their seating areas, according to Planet Laundry, the magazine of the Coin Laundry Association. Some laundromats are asking people to stay in their cars during their wash and dry cycles, and some have removed chairs and tables to discourage people from mingling.  Commercial-grade washers and dryers operate at higher temperatures and with more rigorous mechanical action that, when combined with hot water and proper detergent use, can effectively flush contaminants from clothing better than residential machines, says the association, which represents 30,000 small businesses.","Of course, eating too much or too little in the short term is not a huge cause of concern for someone who is healthy, [experts said](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/well/how-to-manage-stress-eating-or- not-eating.html). But in the long term, moderation is important. Your body’s physical stress response may affect what kinds of foods you are reaching for, drawing you more toward carbohydrates and foods that are high in fat. Take stock of how any stress and anxiety may have affected your eating habits.  If you think you’re snacking too much when you’re not hungry, it may help to allow some time to pass and distract yourself with another activity before grabbing more food. Try to add some healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables into your routine, if you can.  If you’re regularly not eating enough, find something you can tolerate eating, or drink a calorie-rich beverage, like a protein shake. If you’re forgetting to eat entirely, schedule your mealtimes into your calendar and treat meals like any other essential appointment. You can also set alarms as a reminder to drink some water, or eat something."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Where does the name coronavirus come from?,"The coronavirus looks like a ball covered with spikes. Its outline is almost like a crown. That’s how coronavirus got its name, because “corona” is Latin for crown.  Listen [A kid’s guide to coronavirus](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/podcasts/the-daily/kids- coronavirus.html) (A podcast from The Daily)","You shouldn’t. But if Skype, FaceTime or another app is an option, you can make a virtual visit. And there’s always the old-fashioned telephone call, too.  The virus is especially bad for older people like your grandma and grandpa, which means it’s even more important for them to [stay away from](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/parenting/grandparents-visit-safety- coronavirus.html) other people. It can be hard, but this keeps them healthier."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can you see the coronavirus? Does it have color?,"You need a microscope to see it, and the coronavirus is so small that it doesn’t have color. When you see colored pictures of them, that’s because scientists have actually added color so you can see the parts of the coronavirus more clearly.  Listen [A kid’s guide to coronavirus](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/podcasts/the-daily/kids- coronavirus.html) (A podcast from The Daily)","Stay home to [flatten the curve](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/science/coronavirus-curve- mitigation-infection.html), and don’t lose your mind by doing different activities like working your way through the [best 50 movies on Netflix right now](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/arts/television/best-movies-on- netflix.html), or by checking out the books on the nightstand you’ve been ignoring. Looking for new reading material? Check out this list of [52 books for 52 places](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/28/books/travel- reading-52-books-for-52-places-2020.html) so you can escape to a far away destination without dealing with travel restrictions or risk of illness.  Be sure to get up and stretch, because [exercise](https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/how-to-build-muscle) can help burn off pent up energy. Here’s a [quick guide to an at-home workout](https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/204-strength-home- workout-1/ac351695049524bfb879/optimized/full.pdf) where the only equipment you need is a resistance band. While you’re moving, spend some time disinfecting surfaces in your home to keep everything clean. The C.D.C. [recommends you clean and disinfect](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html) high-contact surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks every day.  And check in with your loved ones. Social distancing doesn’t mean disconnecting from those you care about, and older relatives and friends are susceptible to loneliness, which researchers have found [comes with its own set of health hazard](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/06/health/lonliness- aging-health-effects.html)s. So make sure to FaceTime your parents and grandparents.  And if you have done all of those things, [watch this video](https://twitter.com/Schwarzenegger/status/1239383795205169152) of Arnold Schwarzenegger feeding a pony and a donkey in his kitchen."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I visit my grandparents?,"You shouldn’t. But if Skype, FaceTime or another app is an option, you can make a virtual visit. And there’s always the old-fashioned telephone call, too.  The virus is especially bad for older people like your grandma and grandpa, which means it’s even more important for them to [stay away from](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/parenting/grandparents-visit-safety- coronavirus.html) other people. It can be hard, but this keeps them healthier.","Everyone should be concerned about contracting the new coronavirus — if not for yourself, then to protect others who are at risk of becoming severely ill. As with the flu, the virus is more dangerous for people who are older than 60, people who have a weakened immune system, and people with an underlying condition, like diabetes, asthma or another chronic illness."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I play on the playground?,"Probably not. You shouldn't touch the slides or swings (the virus can live on them, whether they are plastic or metal), and you'd have to stay about six feet away from other kids. Maybe go to a field and try a game of catch with one of your parents.","One of the most important [things you can do to help manage your grief](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/well/family/coronavirus-grief- loss.html) includes acknowledging it in the first place. “The more we can say to ourselves and the people around us, ‘Yes, these are meaningful losses,’ the more seen and soothed we will feel,” Lori Gottlieb, a therapist and author, recently wrote in The Times.  Ms. Gottlieb recommends staying in the present as much as possible, versus thinking about the future or ruminating on things that haven’t happened yet. Try the [“both/and”](https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/03/a-therapists- guide-to-emotional-health-in-a-pandemic/608161/) method: Let yourself feel your loss in the present while simultaneously promoting feelings of safety by taking actions like reading a book or video-chatting a friend. And realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all for grief -- everyone expresses it differently. Let yourself do whatever makes you feel best, whether that’s taking some alone time in your room or stress-cooking."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,My school is closed. When will it reopen?,"It depends. Schools are closed for different lengths of time, and it's unclear when it will be safe to go back. Some schools are trying learning-from-home programs, and others are offering free lunches for pick-up. Ask your parents.","While there’s no single trick that works for everyone, one thing you can [try now to improve your sleep](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/style/self- care/sleep-tips-benefits-coronavirus.html) is setting up a consistent schedule. That means sticking to a regular bedtime and wake time. Try to go 90 minutes without any screen time before bed -- that means no emails, social media or watching T.V. You can also take baby steps, beginning with 15 minutes, then working your way up.  Working out, whether that means taking a socially distant walk or doing an at- home routine, can also help tire you out and dispel extra nervous energy. Taking a warm shower or bath 90 minutes before lights out may also help prime you for a better night’s sleep. Be sure to nix the coffee, alcohol and any eating before bed -- these things don’t promote quality rest. Finally, [manage your anxiety](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/style/self-care/sleep-tips- benefits-coronavirus.html) through meditation, deep breathing techniques and, in some cases, medication. If your anxiety is debilitating, seek out a mental health professional or other clinical mental health services."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I have a playdate?,"Probably not. You'd have to stay about six feet away from your friend. Maybe a bike ride or walk, with some distance between you? Or you could try a video- chat if that's an option.","People around the United States are being told to stay home, but you might still need to make a road trip, whether to care for a loved one or for work.  If so, follow a general rule: “Don’t go far, stay in your car,” said Robert Sinclair Jr., a Northeast regional spokesman for AAA.  Mr. Sinclair offered other advice. When pumping gas, sanitize your hands after replacing the pump and before you touch the car door handle, steering wheel and any other part of the vehicle. If an attendant pumped the gas for you, sanitize your credit card after it is handed back to you.  Minimize bathroom breaks as much as possible. While this advice goes against AAA’s general advice to take a break every 100 miles, Mr. Sinclair said drivers could rest in vehicles at scenic overlooks or in parking lots of rest stops. Otherwise, wash your hands after using a public restroom and before touching your car.  And remember: With guidelines on travel changing rapidly state by state, the rules at your starting point may be different than the rules at your destination."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Why is it called the coronavirus? __,"Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that infect animals and people. In February, the W.H.O. gave official names to both this virus (SARS-CoV-2, for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and the disease it causes (Covid-19, for coronavirus disease 2019).  You may have heard it called the “new” or “novel” coronavirus, and those mean just what they sound like: that it’s new.","__ If you lost your job (and with it your health insurance), or even if you never signed up for a policy, you may have options. Some states and employers have loosened the rules around when you can sign up for insurance because of the pandemic.  There’s also the possibility of continuing your job-based coverage under a law known as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA; applying for Medicaid with your state agency; or getting an individual plan at Healthcare.gov. [It depends on your circumstances](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/upshot/coronavirus-health- insurance-faq.html) which route makes sense."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How does it spread?,"It seems to spread very easily from person to person, especially in homes, hospitals and other confined spaces. The pathogen can be carried on tiny respiratory droplets that fall as they are coughed or sneezed out.","__ The [stimulus plan](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/us/politics/whats- in-coronavirus-stimulus-bill.html) includes a significant expansion of unemployment benefits that would extend jobless insurance by 13 weeks. The program is aimed to help freelancers, part-time workers, furloughed employees and gig workers, such as Uber drivers, as well as full-time employees who have lost their jobs.  States have set their own rules for eligibility and benefits, which are generally calculated as a percentage of your income over the past year, up to a certain maximum. Some states are more generous than others, but unemployment typically replaces about 45 percent of your lost income. Under the plan, eligible workers would get an extra $600 per week on top of their state benefit.  One important note: You might not have to lose your job to qualify. If you’re quarantined or have been furloughed — and you’re not being paid but expect to return to your job eventually — you may be able to get unemployment benefits."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What makes this outbreak so different?,"Unlike the flu, there is no known treatment or vaccine, and little is known about this particular virus so far. It seems to be more lethal than the flu, but the numbers are still uncertain. And it hits the elderly and those with underlying conditions particularly hard — not just those with respiratory diseases.","The C.D.C.[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/health/masks-coronavirus- cdc.html)[recommends](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/health/masks- coronavirus-cdc.html) that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This shift in federal guidance, announced by President Trump at a White House briefing, reflects[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic- transmission.html)[new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic- transmission.html).  Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply.  The New York Times and other news outlets had been reporting the C.D.C.’s previous guidance.  Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,I heard ibuprofen doesn’t work. Is that true?,"The health minister of France, Olivier Véran, recently left global health officials puzzled when he [warned that people](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-ibuprofen.html) ill with the coronavirus should stay away from painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin. He said such nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, or Nsaids, could aggravate symptoms of the coronavirus, and suggested that people take acetaminophen instead.  Because the coronavirus is a new pathogen, there is not a lot known on how patients respond to common medications, but other experts pushed back on the French minister’s warning.  “It’s all anecdote, and fake news off the anecdotes,” said Dr. Garret FitzGerald, chair of the department of pharmacology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.  The World Health Organization has said that it is aware of no research showing that ibuprofen should not be taken by patients with Covid-19, and the F.D.A. said it was investigating the issue further and would provide more information when it becomes available.","Stay home to [flatten the curve](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/science/coronavirus-curve- mitigation-infection.html), and don’t lose your mind by doing different activities like working your way through the [best 50 movies on Netflix right now](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/arts/television/best-movies-on- netflix.html), or by checking out the books on the nightstand you’ve been ignoring. Looking for new reading material? Check out this list of [52 books for 52 places](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/28/books/travel- reading-52-books-for-52-places-2020.html) so you can escape to a far away destination without dealing with travel restrictions or risk of illness.  Be sure to get up and stretch, because [exercise](https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/how-to-build-muscle) can help burn off pent up energy. Here’s a [quick guide to an at-home workout](https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/204-strength-home- workout-1/ac351695049524bfb879/optimized/full.pdf) where the only equipment you need is a resistance band. While you’re moving, spend some time disinfecting surfaces in your home to keep everything clean. The C.D.C. [recommends you clean and disinfect](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html) high-contact surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks every day.  And check in with your loved ones. Social distancing doesn’t mean disconnecting from those you care about, and older relatives and friends are susceptible to loneliness, which researchers have found [comes with its own set of health hazard](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/06/health/lonliness- aging-health-effects.html)s. So make sure to FaceTime your parents and grandparents.  And if you have done all of those things, [watch this video](https://twitter.com/Schwarzenegger/status/1239383795205169152) of Arnold Schwarzenegger feeding a pony and a donkey in his kitchen."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How long can the virus live on a doorknob? On cash? On my keyboard?,"The coronavirus can live up to 72 hours on some surfaces, like plastic and steel, according [to a recent study.](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-surfaces- aerosols.html) It can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours.  The good news is that coronaviruses are easy to destroy. A disinfectant on a surface [will render it harmless](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/health/coronavirus-how-it- spreads.html), according to Gary Whittaker, a professor of virology at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Although the W.H.O. has not said that cash transmits the virus, the organization said in a statement that “it is good hygiene practice to wash your hands after handling money, especially if eating or handling food.”  Are you sensing a theme? Wash your hands after touching almost anything, especially if it’s a surface outside your home.","__ The [stimulus plan](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/us/politics/whats- in-coronavirus-stimulus-bill.html) includes a significant expansion of unemployment benefits that would extend jobless insurance by 13 weeks. The program is aimed to help freelancers, part-time workers, furloughed employees and gig workers, such as Uber drivers, as well as full-time employees who have lost their jobs.  States have set their own rules for eligibility and benefits, which are generally calculated as a percentage of your income over the past year, up to a certain maximum. Some states are more generous than others, but unemployment typically replaces about 45 percent of your lost income. Under the plan, eligible workers would get an extra $600 per week on top of their state benefit.  One important note: You might not have to lose your job to qualify. If you’re quarantined or have been furloughed — and you’re not being paid but expect to return to your job eventually — you may be able to get unemployment benefits."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can the coronavirus live on my clothes?,"Yes, but a different question is what you should do about it.  A virus tends to live longer on some nonporous surfaces, like steel or plastic, as compared to fabrics like cotton or leather. But after numerous people who attended a Buddhist temple in Hong Kong fell ill, health workers did find coronavirus on the cloth covers of prayer books, among other items.  It’s probably not worth looking up stats and studies about every kind of surface in your life. The takeaway is the same: Disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot and [wash your hands](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/world/how-to-wash-your-hands- coronavirus.html) after touching anything, and especially before touching your face or eating. (Two Broadway composers even wrote you [a song to sing while you wash](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/well/we-wrote-you-a-hand-washing- song-listen-up.html)).","A lot has to do with politics and history. While some places, like Hong Kong, have had extensive experience with serious outbreaks and quickly put in place a plan to contain the virus, others were slower to react and [failed to take the outbreak seriously enough](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/world/coronavirus-world-health- organization.html), according to the W.H.O. That’s contributed to the lack of a united response. While the W.H.O. is supposed to coordinate the global response to epidemics, the group, a U.N. agency, doesn’t have the authority to force countries to follow its plan.  Culture and government also play a role. Chinese citizens responded quickly to aggressive restrictions put in place by their authoritarian government, while [Italians weren’t initially as compliant](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/08/world/europe/italy-coronavirus- quarantine.html)."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Can I still travel?,"Depending on where you want to go, not easily. In March, as more and more governments around the world hoped to slow the spread of the coronavirus, they[ began to impose travel restrictions](https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-travel- restrictions.html) and even close their borders.  In the United States, President Trump has said he is considering some restrictions on domestic travel. (The military has curtailed domestic travel for service members and their families.)  And if you do go anywhere, remember to [practice social distancing](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/smarter-living/coronavirus- social-distancing.html): stay away from groups and keep at least six feet of distance between you and other people.","Some of the most important [measures you can take to help manage anxiety](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/smarter-living/coronavirus- anxiety-tips.html), experts say, include staying informed on the facts, asking for help and practicing self-compassion. For some people, anxiety manifests in feeling helpless or underreacting to what they’re experiencing. Recognize your own agency and start taking care of the common-sense precautionary measures that are within your control, like stocking up on a [couple of extra weeks’ supply](https://www.ready.gov/pandemic) of food or medication.  Maintaining social connection, despite physical distance, is also important. Reach out to others via phone calls, emails or video chats, and talk through the feelings you’re experiencing. It’s important to be gentle with yourself, and maintain any kind of routine you can to have a sense of stability. Practice self-care, whether that means doing an at-home workout, baking, maintaining a regular religious practice or journaling. Focusing on these things can help bring some peace of mind. If your anxiety is debilitating, seek out a mental health professional or other clinical mental health services."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,"I don't mind being alone, but I'd like to do it somewhere else. Is it possible to road trip responsibly?","People around the United States are being told to stay home, but you might still need to make a road trip, whether to care for a loved one or for work.  If so, follow a general rule: “Don’t go far, stay in your car,” said Robert Sinclair Jr., a Northeast regional spokesman for AAA.  Mr. Sinclair offered other advice. When pumping gas, sanitize your hands after replacing the pump and before you touch the car door handle, steering wheel and any other part of the vehicle. If an attendant pumped the gas for you, sanitize your credit card after it is handed back to you.  Minimize bathroom breaks as much as possible. While this advice goes against AAA’s general advice to take a break every 100 miles, Mr. Sinclair said drivers could rest in vehicles at scenic overlooks or in parking lots of rest stops. Otherwise, wash your hands after using a public restroom and before touching your car.  And remember: With guidelines on travel changing rapidly state by state, the rules at your starting point may be different than the rules at your destination.","The flu and the coronavirus can cause similar symptoms — a whole-body malaise, with a fever, a dry cough and a noticeable shortness of breath — but[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/health/coronavirus-flu.html)[there are differences](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/health/coronavirus-flu.html). Because the symptoms are so similar, doctors will sometimes rule out the flu first.  Spring allergy season tends to trigger many of the same symptoms in many people, adding another diagnostic wrinkle."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What about a national park? Can I go off into the wilderness and be alone?,"It’s a tempting idea, isn’t it? To explore a national park and be away from other people. Unfortunately, it was also a popular idea. As millions of Americans were asked to stay at home, so many of them decamped to national parks that in mid-March the National Park Service [ordered three of the busiest](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/us/coronavirus-national-parks- closed.html) — Yellowstone, Grand Teton and the Great Smoky Mountains — to close because of congestion.","If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on how to get tested and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that if you’re sick or think you’re sick, but only mildly ill, you should[ isolate yourself](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when- sick.html), and you shouldn’t leave your house except to go to the doctor."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What about my summer vacation? Should I cancel that?,"No one really knows what the course of the outbreak will be. Some airlines have already announced cuts through May, and President Trump has mentioned isolation measures lasting through July or August. The prevailing optimistic guess among experts for when the outbreak will abate hovers at about two months.","Older people seem to be particularly susceptible to contracting the coronavirus, according to health officials. Some are staying at home and, as a precaution, may not open their doors to visitors.  One way to check on homebound older residents without jeopardizing their health is to call or send a text, [said Eric. S. Goldstein](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/nyregion/nyc-coronavirus-help- volunteer.html), the chief executive officer of the UJA-Federation of New York, which provides food, health care and other services to people in need.  If telephone calls and texts are not an option, “talk through the door,” Mr. Goldstein said. Because some people may recoil at the suggestion that they are not self-sufficient, Mr. Goldstein suggested offering to help in a low-key way, such as saying, “I’m running to the market, can I get you anything?”"
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,My plans got derailed. Can I get a refund?,"With airlines cutting trans-Atlantic flights and cruise lines canceling sailings, travel conditions and refund policies are changing daily.  Keep an eye on social media and official communications from your airline, hotel, cruise or wherever you booked to stay up to date with any changes to refund policies. And expect long wait times if you do need to contact a company.","You shouldn’t. But if Skype, FaceTime or another app is an option, you can make a virtual visit. And there’s always the old-fashioned telephone call, too.  The virus is especially bad for older people like your grandma and grandpa, which means it’s even more important for them to [stay away from](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/parenting/grandparents-visit-safety- coronavirus.html) other people. It can be hard, but this keeps them healthier."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,"If I cancel my flight, will I get my money back?","You might! Typically, you would have to at least pay a cancellation fee or booking penalty if you did not buy a fully refundable ticket, which is usually more expensive. But many airlines, including Delta, United and American, are loosening their booking policies and suspending cancellation or rescheduling fees.","The situation is changing daily, as it becomes clear the outbreak has spread to more parts of the country. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What about travel insurance?,"Typically, insurance companies will cover disrupted or canceled trips[ only under very specific circumstances](https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-travel-questions- advice.html).  But if you purchased cancel-for-any-reason insurance for your trip, there’s a good chance you will get a good share of your money back. Be sure to read the fine print on your coverage before speaking with a representative.","With so much advice telling people to stay home, it can be hard to know when emergency treatment is necessary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said these symptoms should prompt you to seek emergency care.  • Difficulty breathing  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest  • Confusion or inability to arouse  • Bluish lips or face  • Any other symptom that is severe or concerning"
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,I can’t get my airline on the phone. What should I do?,"“Obviously, the 800 numbers are overwhelmed,” said Michael Holtz, the founder and chief executive of SmartFlyer, a luxury travel agency.  Many airlines in the United States have informed travelers that they could expect longer wait times to speak to a customer service agent. Some have redirected callers to their websites and their apps, or asked travelers to leave their contact information for an agent.  Contacting an airline via social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook may be your best option right now.  “My advice is to use technology,” he said.","[GlobalGiving](https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/coronavirus-relief-fund/) is a large global crowdfunding community that connects nonprofits, donors and companies. It has set a goal of reaching $5 million in donations. Money received will go toward sending emergency medical workers to communities in need, providing medical supplies to hospitals and helping deliver essentials to families."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,China seems to be getting back to normal life. How long will that take in the U.S.?,"No one knows. China began taking [draconian measures](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/world/asia/china-coronavirus- travel.html) to control the coronavirus in late January, and it was not until [almost two months later](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/world/asia/china- coronavirus-zero-infections.html) that it reported no new local infections. South Korea did not lock down cities in the same way, but was extremely fast to test people, trace their contacts and quarantine infected people. And although China and South Korea have demonstrated that, with drastic actions, the virus can be brought under control, there is no guarantee it won’t resurge as their economies restart.  The U.S. has taken a much more piecemeal approach to confronting the virus. To repeat the success of other countries, experts say, [it will take extraordinary coordination and money](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-restrictions- us.html) from the government, and extraordinary trust and cooperation from citizens.","__ If you lost your job (and with it your health insurance), or even if you never signed up for a policy, you may have options. Some states and employers have loosened the rules around when you can sign up for insurance because of the pandemic.  There’s also the possibility of continuing your job-based coverage under a law known as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA; applying for Medicaid with your state agency; or getting an individual plan at Healthcare.gov. [It depends on your circumstances](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/upshot/coronavirus-health- insurance-faq.html) which route makes sense."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,How is this going to affect the 2020 election?,"Several states have already postponed their primaries. Officials in states that are going ahead with primaries have been [trying to emphasize the new basics of voting hygiene](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/09/us/virus- election-voting.html), like using hand sanitizer at polling stations.  And though the general election has yet to begin, it is already [being profoundly shaped by the coronavirus](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/us/politics/coronavirus-2020-campaign.html), which has become the central issue between President Trump and the two major Democratic candidates, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The pandemic’s effects on the economy have challenged Mr. Trump’s core message, that Americans are better off than before he took office. Mr. Biden has proposed a detailed plan for hospitals and research, echoing the language of presidents in past crises. He and Mr. Sanders curtailed their travel and canceled large gatherings like rallies.  It would be enormously difficult to cancel or postpone the November general election, though.","It seems to spread very easily from person to person, especially in homes, hospitals and other confined spaces. The pathogen can be carried on tiny respiratory droplets that fall as they are coughed or sneezed out."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What is the U.S. government doing to help the economy?,"On March 27, Congress [passed a $2 trillion rescue package](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/us/politics/coronavirus-house- voting.html), the largest economic stimulus measure in modern history, to help the people, businesses and industries affected by the coronavirus outbreak. In its sheer scope and size, the aid plan is unprecedented and touches on every facet of American life.  Its components include stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment coverage that includes the self-employed, student loan changes and much more.","This is a fast-moving crisis, and the social, medical and economic fallout is going to affect millions of people for months to come.  There are many places you can go for help, whether you need relief from bills or are worried about becoming sick.  There’s a lot of information below about specific situations. Here’s a quick guide to some of the big ones that might be on your mind."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What are some of the details of the stimulus package?,"The legislation would send direct payments of $1,200 to millions of Americans, including those earning up to $75,000, and an additional $500 per child. It expands jobless aid, providing an additional 13 weeks and a four-month enhancement of benefits, and extends the payments for the first time to freelancers and gig workers.  The measure would also offer $377 billion in federally guaranteed loans to small businesses and establish a $500 billion government lending program for distressed companies reeling from the impact of the crisis, including allowing the administration the ability to take equity stakes in airlines that received aid to help compensate taxpayers. It would also send $100 billion to hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic.","__**Student loans** The Department of Education has granted a payment waiver of at least 60 days to many people. But it’s not necessarily automatic. In general, you have to call your loan servicer to request a waiver and to make sure that your loan is eligible. The waiver does not apply to private student loans. One big private lender, Sallie Mae, said it is offering suspension of payment for up to three months, with no damage to a borrower’s credit.  With the stimulus package, there will be [automatic payment suspensions for any student loan](https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-stimulus- package-questions-answers.html) held by the federal government until Sept. 30. It may be hard to contact many of the loan servicers right now, so check your account online in the coming weeks.  **Utility bills** Some utility providers are offering to stop cutting people off for nonpayment. A number of large internet companies have agreed not to terminate residential or small-business customers who can’t pay their bills. Exact policies and requirements vary, though, so if you need help, you should call and ask.  **Housing** There’s also a good chance you can delay your mortgage payment if the outbreak has left you short of money. The Federal Housing Finance Agency has instructed mortgage servicers to allow borrowers whose mortgages are owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to delay payments. If you rent, the best national resource we’ve found so far is the search-by-state function on [Justshelter.org](https://justshelter.org/community-resources/). This offers information on local organizations that can provide advice to renters in distress.  **Loans and credit** Many consumer lenders are offering affected customers help if they can’t make payments. The American Bankers Association has a list of lenders here, although the help they’re offering varies. Some say they will allow borrowers to skip payments; some are offering other accommodations."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,I’ve seen movies about quarantines. How far can the government go?,"The federal government can impose quarantines under the Public Health Service Act to prevent the spread of communicable disease into the United States or between states. They’re [considered a measure of last resort](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/us/coronavirus-quarantine- questions.html) when there’s no other way to stop the spread of a deadly disease. On the state and local level, the laws vary depending on the region.  Still, the U.S. government doesn’t have the authority to impose a quarantine as sweeping as China, which confined some 70 million people in the largest effort in history. In the U.S., quarantines have been very rare. The last one was in the 1960s against a suspected smallpox outbreak. Health warnings are more common, like in 2016 when the C.D.C. advised pregnant women to avoid Southern Florida during an outbreak of the Zika virus.","[Relief International](https://www.ri.org/donate/), which operates in 16 countries throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia, has focused some of its efforts on helping Iran, where more than 20,000 infections and at least 1,500 deaths have been reported.  [Heart to Heart International](https://www.hearttoheart.org/covid-19-update/) is distributing urgently needed equipment and medication to its partners around the world. Medical supplies are also being delivered to providers on the front lines."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Why is every country responding so differently?,"A lot has to do with politics and history. While some places, like Hong Kong, have had extensive experience with serious outbreaks and quickly put in place a plan to contain the virus, others were slower to react and [failed to take the outbreak seriously enough](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/world/coronavirus-world-health- organization.html), according to the W.H.O. That’s contributed to the lack of a united response. While the W.H.O. is supposed to coordinate the global response to epidemics, the group, a U.N. agency, doesn’t have the authority to force countries to follow its plan.  Culture and government also play a role. Chinese citizens responded quickly to aggressive restrictions put in place by their authoritarian government, while [Italians weren’t initially as compliant](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/08/world/europe/italy-coronavirus- quarantine.html).","No one knows. China began taking [draconian measures](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/world/asia/china-coronavirus- travel.html) to control the coronavirus in late January, and it was not until [almost two months later](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/world/asia/china- coronavirus-zero-infections.html) that it reported no new local infections. South Korea did not lock down cities in the same way, but was extremely fast to test people, trace their contacts and quarantine infected people. And although China and South Korea have demonstrated that, with drastic actions, the virus can be brought under control, there is no guarantee it won’t resurge as their economies restart.  The U.S. has taken a much more piecemeal approach to confronting the virus. To repeat the success of other countries, experts say, [it will take extraordinary coordination and money](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-restrictions- us.html) from the government, and extraordinary trust and cooperation from citizens."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Is there a country that’s really handled this well?,"Governments worldwide have made major mistakes in trying to contain the outbreak. But as the virus spreads, South Korea, Singapore and China have been more effective than others at bringing it under control. South Korea has aggressively monitored infections, such as by [checking the body temperatures](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/25/world/asia/daegu-south-korea- coronavirus.html) of all incoming and outgoing passengers at train stations and other places. Officials operate drive-through testing centers and send out mobile phone alerts to citizens when new cases are reported in their districts. Singapore, which has focused on early diagnosis, isolation and contact tracing, has also seen its rate of new cases drop.  In China, new reported infections were cut to just 24 in a recent headcount [from more than 3,500 a day](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/health/coronavirus-pandemic-who.html) in late January. In addition to strict travel limitations, Chinese people are required to wear masks outdoors and have their temperatures checked at the doors of office buildings, stores, restaurants, hotels, apartments and public transit stations.","[Charity Navigator](https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=7779), which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. More than 20,000 coronavirus-related [GoFundMe fund- raisers](https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/covid19) have started in the past few weeks. (The sheer number of fund-raisers [means more of them are likely to fail](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/style/gofundme-coronavirus.html) to meet their goal, though.)"
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,Has anyone in the government gotten sick? __,"Around the world, a number of senior officials from Iran to Australia have contracted the virus. The British prime minister, Boris Johnson, announced on March 27 that [he tested positive](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/world/europe/boris-johnson- coronavirus.html). Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, said he was putting himself in isolation after his wife tested positive.  [President Trump tested negative for the coronavirus](https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/03/14/us/politics/ap-us- virus-outbreak-trump.html), officials said. Mr. Trump had been in contact with two Brazilian officials who tested positive days after meeting him in Florida. Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami, who also met the Brazilian delegation, said he tested positive. At least three members of Congress have tested positive for the coronavirus, including Senator Rand Paul.","__ The [stimulus plan](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/us/politics/whats- in-coronavirus-stimulus-bill.html) includes a significant expansion of unemployment benefits that would extend jobless insurance by 13 weeks. The program is aimed to help freelancers, part-time workers, furloughed employees and gig workers, such as Uber drivers, as well as full-time employees who have lost their jobs.  States have set their own rules for eligibility and benefits, which are generally calculated as a percentage of your income over the past year, up to a certain maximum. Some states are more generous than others, but unemployment typically replaces about 45 percent of your lost income. Under the plan, eligible workers would get an extra $600 per week on top of their state benefit.  One important note: You might not have to lose your job to qualify. If you’re quarantined or have been furloughed — and you’re not being paid but expect to return to your job eventually — you may be able to get unemployment benefits."
NY Times,https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html,What if Congress gets sick?,"It’s not clear, and keeping Congress at work in the Capitol may prove untenable, especially if more lawmakers fall ill or as staff and services dwindle.  During the Cold War and after Sept. 11, 2001, the government devised emergency plans to protect government officials, like a nuclear bunker for Congress in West Virginia, now a tourist attraction. Those plans relied on the ability to gather lawmakers in a safe place together, however — a hazard during a pandemic.  ""There's no serious effort to grapple with what could happen in the event of a major catastrophe,"" said Norm Ornstein, a resident scholar at the conservative American Enterprise Institute who pushed for plans in the wake of Sept. 11. He said that a bill to allow remote voting during a national crisis, put forward by Senators Rob Portman and Richard Durbin, was ""a good start.""  So far, congressional leaders have [resisted calls for remote voting](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/us/politics/coronavirus-congress- voting.html), calling it a bad precedent and saying they need to address the current crisis. They have instead looked for ways to practice social distancing within the Capitol. ""There's reason to be wary about a virtual Congress,"" Mr. Ornstein said, like ensuring cybersecurity and that Americans can still see and hear lawmakers at work.  But he added that House and Senate leaders, through legislation or rule changes, could create the capacity for remote voting only in the most extreme circumstances, such as when many members are incapacitated or transportation to the Capitol or an alternate meeting place becomes impossible.","Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that infect animals and people. In February, the W.H.O. gave official names to both this virus (SARS-CoV-2, for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and the disease it causes (Covid-19, for coronavirus disease 2019).  You may have heard it called the “new” or “novel” coronavirus, and those mean just what they sound like: that it’s new."
SCMP,https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus,What are the symptoms of Covid-19?,"The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that the most common symptoms are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough. The WHO says about 80 per cent of people recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Growing evidence suggests that loss of smell and taste are also symptoms of having the coronavirus. More...",The International Monetary Fund has said that it expects a global recession this year. China’s economy is expected to contract in the first quarter for the first time since 1976 and growth estimates for the year have been slacked to around 2 per cent from 6.1 per cent last year. The US and European economies are also expected to contract starting in the second quarter. More...
SCMP,https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus,Is there a vaccine for the coronavirus?,"No, although scientists around the world have been racing to develop one. Both China and the United States have begun clinical trials. It will still be some time before a vaccine is ready for mass production, however, with the US’ National Institutes of Health saying that its clinical trial process could take up to 14 months. There are a number of antiviral treatments and vaccine trials underway. More...","The disease can be transmitted from person to person, usually through droplets during sneezing or coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, the WHO recommends washing hands regularly, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. It also suggests avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness. More..."
SCMP,https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus,What preventive measures can be taken?,"The disease can be transmitted from person to person, usually through droplets during sneezing or coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, the WHO recommends washing hands regularly, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. It also suggests avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness. More...",The International Monetary Fund has said that it expects a global recession this year. China’s economy is expected to contract in the first quarter for the first time since 1976 and growth estimates for the year have been slacked to around 2 per cent from 6.1 per cent last year. The US and European economies are also expected to contract starting in the second quarter. More...
SCMP,https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus,Should people be wearing masks in public?,"The World Health Organisation’s initial advice was that only people showing symptoms of infection or those caring for someone that has Covid-19 need to wear a face mask. However, it has now updated its position to say it supports government initiatives that require or encourage the public wearing of masks. It has emphasised that surgical masks should be preserved for medical professionals. More...","The steps taken to contain the outbreak, such as locking down areas and shutting down traffic flows, have shut down businesses and forced consumers to stay home. Many people have lost their jobs and their incomes, further reducing consumer spending, which makes up 60 per cent of the China economy and 70 per cent of that in the West. More..."
SCMP,https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus,How has the WHO responded?,"The WHO initially declared a global public health emergency, citing the potential of the virus to spread to countries not prepared to deal with the contagion. It declared the spread of the coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The term is used when a disease has spread to several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people. More...","The disease can be transmitted from person to person, usually through droplets during sneezing or coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, the WHO recommends washing hands regularly, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. It also suggests avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness. More..."
SCMP,https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus,What are the lockdown measures and travel bans in place in the region?,"Wuhan, a central city in China, implemented a lockdown on January 23 when the city’s borders were closed, incoming and outgoing flights cancelled, public transport halted, and movement of people restricted. Since then, other places in China and across Asia have implemented different degrees of travel bans and lockdown measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. More...","The WHO initially declared a global public health emergency, citing the potential of the virus to spread to countries not prepared to deal with the contagion. It declared the spread of the coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The term is used when a disease has spread to several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people. More..."
SCMP,https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus,What has been the impact on the Chinese and global economies?,"The steps taken to contain the outbreak, such as locking down areas and shutting down traffic flows, have shut down businesses and forced consumers to stay home. Many people have lost their jobs and their incomes, further reducing consumer spending, which makes up 60 per cent of the China economy and 70 per cent of that in the West. More...","The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that the most common symptoms are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough. The WHO says about 80 per cent of people recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Growing evidence suggests that loss of smell and taste are also symptoms of having the coronavirus. More..."
SCMP,https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus,Will coronavirus cause a global recession in 2020?,The International Monetary Fund has said that it expects a global recession this year. China’s economy is expected to contract in the first quarter for the first time since 1976 and growth estimates for the year have been slacked to around 2 per cent from 6.1 per cent last year. The US and European economies are also expected to contract starting in the second quarter. More...,"The disease can be transmitted from person to person, usually through droplets during sneezing or coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, the WHO recommends washing hands regularly, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. It also suggests avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness. More..."
The Australian,https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/how-do-i-avoid-coronavirus-and-other-vital-questions/news-story/07d3552cd2acccc9c72108ab848642b3,How is coronavirus transmitted?,"COVID-19 is caused by a virus known as SARS CoV-2. We already have a number of other coronaviruses that circulate in the community and most of them cause common colds. Most of the available evidence indicates that coronavirus is spread via droplets, so if an infected person coughs or sneezes, and their secretions fall on you, you may be infected too. But the most common way of becoming infected is from touching contaminated surfaces. If an infected person coughs or sneezes into their hand, then touches a hard surface such as a doorknob or railing, and you touch that surface, you could also be infected. Some experts believe the virus may also be airborne, but the wider consensus is that it’s droplet-spread. That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands often, and try to avoid touching your face, because your hands can transmit the virus into orifices such as your nose, mouth or eyes.","A COVID-19 vaccine is probably still at least a year away. The University of Queensland has developed a vaccine candidate, and it’s being tested on animals at the moment. Human clinical trials will follow in a few months if the vaccine looks like it’s going to be effective. But getting a vaccine to the market is a slow process, because health authorities have to be 100 per cent sure it’s safe. Even once a vaccine is shown to work and to be safe, scaling up production of the vaccine can take time, so it will probably be a year to 18 months before a vaccine will be available."
The Australian,https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/how-do-i-avoid-coronavirus-and-other-vital-questions/news-story/07d3552cd2acccc9c72108ab848642b3,Is COVID-19 deadly?,"For most people, COVID-19 causes mild respiratory illness. Common symptoms are fever, shortness of breath and coughing. Some people also get a runny nose or muscle aches, although those are far less common. For some people, the disease can progress to pneumonia, and it usually gets worse in the second week. Estimates have varied, but the experience in China suggests the death rate may be about 1 per cent, although the WHO has put it slightly higher. But chances of dying depend significantly on age and state of health — the very young rarely seem to be affected at all, while the death rate in the elderly is much higher, about 15 per cent. People with comorbidities such as heart or lung conditions, or diabetes, have a higher risk of death.","COVID-19 is caused by a virus known as SARS CoV-2. We already have a number of other coronaviruses that circulate in the community and most of them cause common colds. Most of the available evidence indicates that coronavirus is spread via droplets, so if an infected person coughs or sneezes, and their secretions fall on you, you may be infected too. But the most common way of becoming infected is from touching contaminated surfaces. If an infected person coughs or sneezes into their hand, then touches a hard surface such as a doorknob or railing, and you touch that surface, you could also be infected. Some experts believe the virus may also be airborne, but the wider consensus is that it’s droplet-spread. That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands often, and try to avoid touching your face, because your hands can transmit the virus into orifices such as your nose, mouth or eyes."
The Australian,https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/how-do-i-avoid-coronavirus-and-other-vital-questions/news-story/07d3552cd2acccc9c72108ab848642b3,Is there a cure?,"There’s no treatment for coronavirus. Some hospitals in China and in Queensland have used antiviral drugs to treat sufferers, and there are clinical trials into the effectiveness of antiviral treatments. But the care of patients is largely what’s known as supportive care, or making the patient comfortable: for example, giving Panadol to lower fever or giving oxygen if someone is struggling to breathe. In critical cases, a person would be placed on a heart-lung life-support machine in an intensive care unit, but most people who contract the virus don’t need to go to hospital and can recover at home in isolation.","For most people, COVID-19 causes mild respiratory illness. Common symptoms are fever, shortness of breath and coughing. Some people also get a runny nose or muscle aches, although those are far less common. For some people, the disease can progress to pneumonia, and it usually gets worse in the second week. Estimates have varied, but the experience in China suggests the death rate may be about 1 per cent, although the WHO has put it slightly higher. But chances of dying depend significantly on age and state of health — the very young rarely seem to be affected at all, while the death rate in the elderly is much higher, about 15 per cent. People with comorbidities such as heart or lung conditions, or diabetes, have a higher risk of death."
The Australian,https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/how-do-i-avoid-coronavirus-and-other-vital-questions/news-story/07d3552cd2acccc9c72108ab848642b3,When will there be a vaccine?,"A COVID-19 vaccine is probably still at least a year away. The University of Queensland has developed a vaccine candidate, and it’s being tested on animals at the moment. Human clinical trials will follow in a few months if the vaccine looks like it’s going to be effective. But getting a vaccine to the market is a slow process, because health authorities have to be 100 per cent sure it’s safe. Even once a vaccine is shown to work and to be safe, scaling up production of the vaccine can take time, so it will probably be a year to 18 months before a vaccine will be available.","It’s likely that the coronavirus pandemic will have a major impact on your daily life in the short term. Mass events will be cancelled, sporting games will be played to empty stadiums, and it’s likely that at some point your workplace might ask you to work from home. Mass school shutdowns are a last-resort measure, and whether this happens will depend on what we learn about children’s role in transmitting the virus. But these major interventions in your life won’t last forever — we’re likely to see the virus peak in Australia some time during winter, and the number of cases will then start to decline. There’s a good chance that this virus will become endemic in the population like other coronaviruses."
The Australian,https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/how-do-i-avoid-coronavirus-and-other-vital-questions/news-story/07d3552cd2acccc9c72108ab848642b3,Will schools and workplaces be shut down?,"It’s likely that the coronavirus pandemic will have a major impact on your daily life in the short term. Mass events will be cancelled, sporting games will be played to empty stadiums, and it’s likely that at some point your workplace might ask you to work from home. Mass school shutdowns are a last-resort measure, and whether this happens will depend on what we learn about children’s role in transmitting the virus. But these major interventions in your life won’t last forever — we’re likely to see the virus peak in Australia some time during winter, and the number of cases will then start to decline. There’s a good chance that this virus will become endemic in the population like other coronaviruses.","The No 1 thing you can do to protect yourself from coronavirus infection is to wash your hands, often and thoroughly. You need to rub the soap for 30 seconds to kill all potential virus molecules. Washing for 20 seconds will only kill some of them. The WHO recommends singing Happy Birthday twice, but that can get pretty tedious, so choose your own favourite ditty — but make sure it’s a long one. Use hand sanitiser if you can’t get to a wash basin, but make sure it’s an alcohol-based sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol content — the alcohol is required to kill viruses. Don’t touch your face, wash your hands before you eat, avoid touching hard shiny surfaces in public places such as on public transport, and stay away from sick people. Stay home if you’re sick. Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand, or into a tissue."
The Australian,https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/how-do-i-avoid-coronavirus-and-other-vital-questions/news-story/07d3552cd2acccc9c72108ab848642b3,What can you do to protect yourself?,"The No 1 thing you can do to protect yourself from coronavirus infection is to wash your hands, often and thoroughly. You need to rub the soap for 30 seconds to kill all potential virus molecules. Washing for 20 seconds will only kill some of them. The WHO recommends singing Happy Birthday twice, but that can get pretty tedious, so choose your own favourite ditty — but make sure it’s a long one. Use hand sanitiser if you can’t get to a wash basin, but make sure it’s an alcohol-based sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol content — the alcohol is required to kill viruses. Don’t touch your face, wash your hands before you eat, avoid touching hard shiny surfaces in public places such as on public transport, and stay away from sick people. Stay home if you’re sick. Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand, or into a tissue.","There’s no treatment for coronavirus. Some hospitals in China and in Queensland have used antiviral drugs to treat sufferers, and there are clinical trials into the effectiveness of antiviral treatments. But the care of patients is largely what’s known as supportive care, or making the patient comfortable: for example, giving Panadol to lower fever or giving oxygen if someone is struggling to breathe. In critical cases, a person would be placed on a heart-lung life-support machine in an intensive care unit, but most people who contract the virus don’t need to go to hospital and can recover at home in isolation."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,Will people have to pay taxes on the money when they file their tax returns next year?,"No. The money is not counted as taxable income. It’s treated as a fully refundable tax credit against your 2020 taxes, meaning that you get the money even if you don’t have any tax liability.","The CDC says the symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. A patient might develop a fever, a cough, and shortness of breath. At the moment, it appears someone who is infected can show symptoms as early as two days later and as long as 14 days after they have been infected, based on past coronavirus outbreaks like MERS and SARS."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,Can people get checks even if they haven’t filed a tax return in recent years?,"In cases where people haven’t filed tax returns but receive Social Security benefits or railroad retirement benefits, the IRS can look at statements about those benefits to help get the checks to those people.

For people who have not filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return and do not receive Social Security or railroad retirement benefits, there is an incentive to promptly file a tax return to ensure that the IRS can reach them to distribute the money to them this year. 

People who do not file tax returns are typically low-income. For example, the IRS requires married couples with both spouses under 65 to file returns for 2019 if their gross income was at least $24,400. That threshold is raised to $27,000 in cases where both spouses were 65 or older. Social Security benefits often aren’t included in gross income.",They are if they have a Social Security number. A Republican aide to the Senate Finance Committee noted in a call with reporters Wednesday that Green Card holders qualify for work-eligible Social Security numbers.
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"Are immigrants eligible to receive the checks?

",They are if they have a Social Security number. A Republican aide to the Senate Finance Committee noted in a call with reporters Wednesday that Green Card holders qualify for work-eligible Social Security numbers.,"If you received a refund in 2018 or 2019 via direct deposit to your bank account, and you did not change your bank account when you moved, you should be able to receive your rebate via direct deposit.

Tax experts said that they think it would be helpful for the IRS to provide guidance for taxpayers who have moved or have new bank accounts since they filed their most recent tax return.

Under the bill, the IRS has to send a notice to a taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days of distributing a payment. The notice should provide information about the payment amount, the method used to make the payment and an IRS phone number to report failures to receive the payment."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"Are college students eligible to receive the checks?

","If college students are at least 17 years old and are claimed as a dependent on their parents’ return, their family would not receive any payment amount for them. A college student who filed his or her own return and was not claimed as a dependent on his or her parents’ return would qualify for the rebates.","The coronavirus relief bill is not yet law, and the IRS has yet to provide information about how it plans to implement the provision about the rebates. On the IRS’s coronavirus landing page, the agency is telling people not to call it right now and to check back for updates at a later point.

Tax experts are hoping that the IRS issues guidance to clarify issues about eligibility when taxpayers’ situations differ in 2018, 2019 and 2020, as well as guidance about which nonfilers now need to submit a tax return in order to receive a payment."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"I made $85,000 last year. How much money will I receive?

","For a single tax filer, the rebate amount reduces by $5 for every $100 of income over $75,000. So a single person with no children who had adjusted gross income of $85,000 in 2019, and has already filed a 2019 tax return, would receive $700.

Keep in mind that phase-out of the credit is based on people’s adjusted gross income, which does not include income put into pre-tax accounts such as traditional 401(k)s. As a result, someone with an annual salary of $85,000 and no other income could have adjusted gross income of less than $85,000.","If you received a refund in 2018 or 2019 via direct deposit to your bank account, and you did not change your bank account when you moved, you should be able to receive your rebate via direct deposit.

Tax experts said that they think it would be helpful for the IRS to provide guidance for taxpayers who have moved or have new bank accounts since they filed their most recent tax return.

Under the bill, the IRS has to send a notice to a taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days of distributing a payment. The notice should provide information about the payment amount, the method used to make the payment and an IRS phone number to report failures to receive the payment."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"How can people who recently moved ensure they get their checks?

","If you received a refund in 2018 or 2019 via direct deposit to your bank account, and you did not change your bank account when you moved, you should be able to receive your rebate via direct deposit.

Tax experts said that they think it would be helpful for the IRS to provide guidance for taxpayers who have moved or have new bank accounts since they filed their most recent tax return.

Under the bill, the IRS has to send a notice to a taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days of distributing a payment. The notice should provide information about the payment amount, the method used to make the payment and an IRS phone number to report failures to receive the payment.","Public health officials are increasingly worried about misinformation that seems to accompany every outbreak, fueled by social media and inflammatory rhetoric.
If you hear a rumor about the virus, check it out with reputable sources — the CDC, state health agencies and the WHO all have websites with the most up-to-date information about the virus and its spread.
Increasingly, those agencies also have fact-checking sections on their websites, aimed at combating misinformation. One of the most troubling rumors that often spreads alongside outbreaks is who exactly has the disease — something that can lead to racial and ethnic profiling.
Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said it is important to separate the disease from the person suffering from the disease. No ethnic group is more or less susceptible to the coronavirus.
“My concern is that fear and misinformation will spread much faster than this virus will,” Shah said in an interview Wednesday.
Bottom line: If you hear what sounds like unrealistic information, check it out before you pass it around social media."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"How are check amounts impacted if someone has a child in 2020?

","Tax experts said that since advanced payment amounts are based on taxpayers’ 2018 or 2019 returns, people who have children in 2020 would receive payments this year that don't take into account the new children. However, the rebates are credits against 2020 taxes, so new parents will get the additional credit reflecting their children when they file their 2020 tax returns next year.","If you received a refund in 2018 or 2019 via direct deposit to your bank account, and you did not change your bank account when you moved, you should be able to receive your rebate via direct deposit.

Tax experts said that they think it would be helpful for the IRS to provide guidance for taxpayers who have moved or have new bank accounts since they filed their most recent tax return.

Under the bill, the IRS has to send a notice to a taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days of distributing a payment. The notice should provide information about the payment amount, the method used to make the payment and an IRS phone number to report failures to receive the payment."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"What are areas where IRS guidance might be helpful?

","The coronavirus relief bill is not yet law, and the IRS has yet to provide information about how it plans to implement the provision about the rebates. On the IRS’s coronavirus landing page, the agency is telling people not to call it right now and to check back for updates at a later point.

Tax experts are hoping that the IRS issues guidance to clarify issues about eligibility when taxpayers’ situations differ in 2018, 2019 and 2020, as well as guidance about which nonfilers now need to submit a tax return in order to receive a payment.","Tax experts said that since advanced payment amounts are based on taxpayers’ 2018 or 2019 returns, people who have children in 2020 would receive payments this year that don't take into account the new children. However, the rebates are credits against 2020 taxes, so new parents will get the additional credit reflecting their children when they file their 2020 tax returns next year."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/484770-what-to-know-about-the-coronavirus,What is this thing?,"Coronaviruses are a relatively broad family of viruses named for the spikes that come out of a virus particle. Under a microscope, they look like a crown, or a halo — like the sun’s corona.
The current coronavirus first emerged from Wuhan, in China’s Hubei Province, most likely from a fish and animal market where humans routinely come into direct contact with animals. The virus probably jumped from an animal — we still don’t know for sure what species — to a human, a process of interspecies transmission called zoonosis.
The virus itself is called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2. The disease caused by the virus is called coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.",They are if they have a Social Security number. A Republican aide to the Senate Finance Committee noted in a call with reporters Wednesday that Green Card holders qualify for work-eligible Social Security numbers.
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/484770-what-to-know-about-the-coronavirus,How many people are infected?,"The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported at least 81,191 cases of the virus as of Wednesday morning. The vast majority of those cases, 78,064, are in mainland China, and most of those are in Hubei Province, the epicenter of the outbreak.
But officials are increasingly worried about South Korea, where the number of cases has climbed from just a handful to more than 1,200 in the last week or so. An outbreak in Italy has infected 322 people, a worrying sign that the virus may be gaining a foothold in Europe. Seven other European nations confirmed new cases of the virus overnight. And an outbreak in Iran has infected more than 100 residents.
“The sudden increases in cases in Italy, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Korea are deeply concerning,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday.
The Iranian outbreak has spawned new cases in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman; the Italian outbreak is now linked to cases in Algeria, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.
Tuesday marked a sobering moment for epidemiologists watching the virus: It was the first day that more new cases were confirmed in countries besides China than new cases in China itself, according to the WHO.
There have been 57 cases diagnosed in the United States, 36 of whom were repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Most of the rest of the cases have occurred in travelers who have recently returned from China. Just two people have been infected in the United States itself.","If you received a refund in 2018 or 2019 via direct deposit to your bank account, and you did not change your bank account when you moved, you should be able to receive your rebate via direct deposit.

Tax experts said that they think it would be helpful for the IRS to provide guidance for taxpayers who have moved or have new bank accounts since they filed their most recent tax return.

Under the bill, the IRS has to send a notice to a taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days of distributing a payment. The notice should provide information about the payment amount, the method used to make the payment and an IRS phone number to report failures to receive the payment."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/484770-what-to-know-about-the-coronavirus,How deadly is the virus?,"We don’t entirely know yet. Of the 81,191 confirmed cases, 2,768 people have died, a mortality rate of about 3 percent. That would be worse than the Spanish Flu, which had a mortality rate of about 2 percent, and substantially worse than a more ordinary influenza, which kills between one in a thousand and one in ten thousand people.
But there are lots of unknowns.
First, the bad news: Only about 30,000 people have recovered from the virus, which leaves 50,000 or so still in some stage of treatment. Not all of those people will recover, so the mortality rate is expected to rise at least a little bit.
Now, the good news: That 81,191 figure represents only the number of confirmed cases. It appears likely that many thousands more were infected and either did not suffer symptoms or suffered symptoms too minor to seek treatment. In that case, the mortality rate is probably substantially lower than the statistics make it seem.","For a single tax filer, the rebate amount reduces by $5 for every $100 of income over $75,000. So a single person with no children who had adjusted gross income of $85,000 in 2019, and has already filed a 2019 tax return, would receive $700.

Keep in mind that phase-out of the credit is based on people’s adjusted gross income, which does not include income put into pre-tax accounts such as traditional 401(k)s. As a result, someone with an annual salary of $85,000 and no other income could have adjusted gross income of less than $85,000."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/484770-what-to-know-about-the-coronavirus,How sick will the coronavirus make someone?,"That depends on your underlying health. Coronaviruses are not uncommon — you’ve almost certainly had several during your lifetime, and at worst you might have called in sick with a common cold. And even if you contract this particular coronavirus, you may show few if any signs.
But if your health is poor already — especially your respiratory system — this virus is more troubling. Many of those who have succumbed have been older, and young children may be particularly susceptible as well. Those who become ill will have problems in their upper respiratory tract; those who become severely ill will have problems in the lower respiratory tract, and those can lead to really serious health concerns like pneumonia and bronchitis.","At the moment, the federal government is doing a lot of warning. The CDC has produced two dozen guidance documents for hospitals, instructions for preparedness and infection control. Crucially, they are offering guidance on preserving personal protection equipment — like masks and gloves — in a recognition that a widespread outbreak is likely to impact already-low supplies.
The Trump administration has created a task force to oversee the response, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. But the administration has not named a coordinator to oversee a whole-of-government response, similar to what the Obama administration did during the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
In other words, there is no one person whose full-time job is to oversee the government’s response.
President TrumpDonald John TrumpWaPo: Trump allegedly asked Fauci if officials could let coronavirus 'wash over' US Kansas Supreme Court upholds order banning religious services of over 10 people Biden wins Alaska primary MORE plans to hold a press conference on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. ET alongside members of his coronavirus task force. His administration has requested $2.5 billion in emergency funding, but even Republicans have been skeptical that that’s enough to handle a widespread outbreak. Senate Democrats on Wednesday said they would seek $8.5 billion in funding.
On a state level, hospitals and public health officials are preparing for a growing number of cases. State health directors happen to be in Washington this week for an annual meeting, and many spent Wednesday walking the halls of Congress, lobbying their members to support funding.
At home, those officials are working to make sure their hospitals have the capacity they need to handle an outbreak — enough beds, enough equipment and protective gear, enough laboratory capacity to test samples they take from potentially infected victims, and enough people to run the tests.
“We’re starting to work with hospitals and EMS systems initially to make sure that they have all the capacity that they need,” Shah said of Maine’s preparations. “The public should appreciate that hospitals are used to taking care of sick people. That is what they do.”
What are the broader risks, beyond the virus?
We’ve already seen the virus’s impact in China, where factories and stores closed for days or weeks and cities have been quarantined to stop its spread. Other countries may follow China’s lead. Frieden said the outbreak is likely to cost at least $100 billion to combat globally — and maybe ten times as much, if things spiral out of control.
But as in other outbreaks, the fallout is going to extend beyond immediate health concerns. When Ebola broke out in West Africa, more people died from other, treatable diseases — malaria, cholera, even HIV — because the health systems shut down.
In this case, China is a major source of the generic drugs used in the United States, for everything from hypertension to diabetes. The virus is likely to impact supply chains, making scarce drugs that are completely unrelated to the coronavirus. Experts recommend keeping a three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take on hand in case of that disruption.
“The Chinese manufacturing issue will affect us,” says Michael Osterholm, who directs the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Preparedness at the University of Minnesota. “We’ll have a major shortfall between what will be needed and what will be available.”
Personal protective equipment, like masks and gloves, are already in short supply after a particularly bad flu season. Manufacturers are rushing to fill the gaps, but that takes time, and global demand is growing.
The Department of Health and Human Services said it has a stockpile of about 30 million masks, but says it needs 300 million to protect front-line health care workers. Those workers, who treat patients, would be most at risk of contracting the virus; more than 3,000 health care workers have been infected in China already.
The broader economic impact is also unknown, though Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said in a note to investors Wednesday that the odds of a recession in the first half of the year now stand at 40 percent, twice what he predicted a few months ago.
“If it is a pandemic, if it does show up in Europe and the United States, then that is the prescription for a global and U.S. recession,” he said.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 are both off more than 6 percent in the last two days, the worst two-day drop in years.
There is a decent chance that major sporting events and public gatherings will be delayed or canceled. A major trade show, the Mobile World Congress, has already been canceled in Barcelona, Spain. Soccer games have been canceled in Italy, and political demonstrations are temporarily banned in Seoul, South Korea.
The organizers of the Tokyo Olympics, set for later this year, have insisted the games will go on. But a former top International Olympic Committee official, Dick Pound, cast doubt on those plans on Tuesday, saying the organizers had about a three-month window in which to decide to pull the plug.
The last time the Olympics were canceled was in 1944, when games scheduled for Italy and London were scrapped because of World War II."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/484770-what-to-know-about-the-coronavirus,What are the symptoms?,"The CDC says the symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. A patient might develop a fever, a cough, and shortness of breath. At the moment, it appears someone who is infected can show symptoms as early as two days later and as long as 14 days after they have been infected, based on past coronavirus outbreaks like MERS and SARS.","The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported at least 81,191 cases of the virus as of Wednesday morning. The vast majority of those cases, 78,064, are in mainland China, and most of those are in Hubei Province, the epicenter of the outbreak.
But officials are increasingly worried about South Korea, where the number of cases has climbed from just a handful to more than 1,200 in the last week or so. An outbreak in Italy has infected 322 people, a worrying sign that the virus may be gaining a foothold in Europe. Seven other European nations confirmed new cases of the virus overnight. And an outbreak in Iran has infected more than 100 residents.
“The sudden increases in cases in Italy, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Korea are deeply concerning,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday.
The Iranian outbreak has spawned new cases in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman; the Italian outbreak is now linked to cases in Algeria, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.
Tuesday marked a sobering moment for epidemiologists watching the virus: It was the first day that more new cases were confirmed in countries besides China than new cases in China itself, according to the WHO.
There have been 57 cases diagnosed in the United States, 36 of whom were repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Most of the rest of the cases have occurred in travelers who have recently returned from China. Just two people have been infected in the United States itself."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/484770-what-to-know-about-the-coronavirus,How easy is it to catch the coronavirus?,"Tom Frieden, who directed the CDC for eight years during the Obama administration, says it’s too early to know exactly how transmissible the virus is, how long it lives on surfaces or how many people who get the disease become really sick.
“There’s still a lot we don’t know about this infection. We don’t know how readily it spreads, we don’t know, really, what proportion of people get severely ill,” he told The Hill.
But what we do know is that the virus spreads from person to person through air droplets, much like an influenza. That makes it dissimilar from something more deadly, like Ebola, which spreads only when someone comes into contact with another person’s bodily fluids. There are signs, too, that the coronavirus can transmit even before someone shows symptoms, which is going to cause problems for health officials trying to contain its spread.
Now is a good opportunity to remind ourselves the lessons we teach toddlers: Wash your hands a lot. Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Stay at home if you’re sick. Those little steps end up having big, positive consequences.
Anyone who comes into contact with someone infected with the virus should notify their health care provider, the CDC says. Older people and young children, especially those with underlying health concerns, are at the most risk.","Coronaviruses are a relatively broad family of viruses named for the spikes that come out of a virus particle. Under a microscope, they look like a crown, or a halo — like the sun’s corona.
The current coronavirus first emerged from Wuhan, in China’s Hubei Province, most likely from a fish and animal market where humans routinely come into direct contact with animals. The virus probably jumped from an animal — we still don’t know for sure what species — to a human, a process of interspecies transmission called zoonosis.
The virus itself is called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2. The disease caused by the virus is called coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/484770-what-to-know-about-the-coronavirus,What about a vaccine? Or treatments?,"The coronavirus is a new phenomenon, which means scientists are only now beginning to research possible treatments or vaccines. No treatments have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, though there is a drug being tested on a patient who was repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
That drug, Remdesivir, was first developed as a potential treatment for MERS and SARS in animals and for Ebola in humans. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is working on a study to test whether the drug would be a suitable treatment for this coronavirus.
But until a treatment is developed, someone with a severe case of the virus will be treated with supportive care — in extreme cases, with intubation tubes and breathing machines.
The real silver bullet for any epidemic or pandemic is a vaccine — and that’s going to take a while. Some in the Trump administration have promised a vaccine within the space of a few months, but that’s extremely unlikely. Instead, the top expert in the federal government, NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, has said he hopes to have a vaccine developed in the next 12 to 18 months, a relatively fast timeline by scientific standards.","If you received a refund in 2018 or 2019 via direct deposit to your bank account, and you did not change your bank account when you moved, you should be able to receive your rebate via direct deposit.

Tax experts said that they think it would be helpful for the IRS to provide guidance for taxpayers who have moved or have new bank accounts since they filed their most recent tax return.

Under the bill, the IRS has to send a notice to a taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days of distributing a payment. The notice should provide information about the payment amount, the method used to make the payment and an IRS phone number to report failures to receive the payment."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/484770-what-to-know-about-the-coronavirus,Where should I get my information about the virus?,"Public health officials are increasingly worried about misinformation that seems to accompany every outbreak, fueled by social media and inflammatory rhetoric.
If you hear a rumor about the virus, check it out with reputable sources — the CDC, state health agencies and the WHO all have websites with the most up-to-date information about the virus and its spread.
Increasingly, those agencies also have fact-checking sections on their websites, aimed at combating misinformation. One of the most troubling rumors that often spreads alongside outbreaks is who exactly has the disease — something that can lead to racial and ethnic profiling.
Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said it is important to separate the disease from the person suffering from the disease. No ethnic group is more or less susceptible to the coronavirus.
“My concern is that fear and misinformation will spread much faster than this virus will,” Shah said in an interview Wednesday.
Bottom line: If you hear what sounds like unrealistic information, check it out before you pass it around social media.","The coronavirus relief bill is not yet law, and the IRS has yet to provide information about how it plans to implement the provision about the rebates. On the IRS’s coronavirus landing page, the agency is telling people not to call it right now and to check back for updates at a later point.

Tax experts are hoping that the IRS issues guidance to clarify issues about eligibility when taxpayers’ situations differ in 2018, 2019 and 2020, as well as guidance about which nonfilers now need to submit a tax return in order to receive a payment."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/484770-what-to-know-about-the-coronavirus,What is the U.S. government doing to combat the virus?,"At the moment, the federal government is doing a lot of warning. The CDC has produced two dozen guidance documents for hospitals, instructions for preparedness and infection control. Crucially, they are offering guidance on preserving personal protection equipment — like masks and gloves — in a recognition that a widespread outbreak is likely to impact already-low supplies.
The Trump administration has created a task force to oversee the response, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. But the administration has not named a coordinator to oversee a whole-of-government response, similar to what the Obama administration did during the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
In other words, there is no one person whose full-time job is to oversee the government’s response.
President TrumpDonald John TrumpWaPo: Trump allegedly asked Fauci if officials could let coronavirus 'wash over' US Kansas Supreme Court upholds order banning religious services of over 10 people Biden wins Alaska primary MORE plans to hold a press conference on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. ET alongside members of his coronavirus task force. His administration has requested $2.5 billion in emergency funding, but even Republicans have been skeptical that that’s enough to handle a widespread outbreak. Senate Democrats on Wednesday said they would seek $8.5 billion in funding.
On a state level, hospitals and public health officials are preparing for a growing number of cases. State health directors happen to be in Washington this week for an annual meeting, and many spent Wednesday walking the halls of Congress, lobbying their members to support funding.
At home, those officials are working to make sure their hospitals have the capacity they need to handle an outbreak — enough beds, enough equipment and protective gear, enough laboratory capacity to test samples they take from potentially infected victims, and enough people to run the tests.
“We’re starting to work with hospitals and EMS systems initially to make sure that they have all the capacity that they need,” Shah said of Maine’s preparations. “The public should appreciate that hospitals are used to taking care of sick people. That is what they do.”
What are the broader risks, beyond the virus?
We’ve already seen the virus’s impact in China, where factories and stores closed for days or weeks and cities have been quarantined to stop its spread. Other countries may follow China’s lead. Frieden said the outbreak is likely to cost at least $100 billion to combat globally — and maybe ten times as much, if things spiral out of control.
But as in other outbreaks, the fallout is going to extend beyond immediate health concerns. When Ebola broke out in West Africa, more people died from other, treatable diseases — malaria, cholera, even HIV — because the health systems shut down.
In this case, China is a major source of the generic drugs used in the United States, for everything from hypertension to diabetes. The virus is likely to impact supply chains, making scarce drugs that are completely unrelated to the coronavirus. Experts recommend keeping a three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take on hand in case of that disruption.
“The Chinese manufacturing issue will affect us,” says Michael Osterholm, who directs the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Preparedness at the University of Minnesota. “We’ll have a major shortfall between what will be needed and what will be available.”
Personal protective equipment, like masks and gloves, are already in short supply after a particularly bad flu season. Manufacturers are rushing to fill the gaps, but that takes time, and global demand is growing.
The Department of Health and Human Services said it has a stockpile of about 30 million masks, but says it needs 300 million to protect front-line health care workers. Those workers, who treat patients, would be most at risk of contracting the virus; more than 3,000 health care workers have been infected in China already.
The broader economic impact is also unknown, though Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said in a note to investors Wednesday that the odds of a recession in the first half of the year now stand at 40 percent, twice what he predicted a few months ago.
“If it is a pandemic, if it does show up in Europe and the United States, then that is the prescription for a global and U.S. recession,” he said.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 are both off more than 6 percent in the last two days, the worst two-day drop in years.
There is a decent chance that major sporting events and public gatherings will be delayed or canceled. A major trade show, the Mobile World Congress, has already been canceled in Barcelona, Spain. Soccer games have been canceled in Italy, and political demonstrations are temporarily banned in Seoul, South Korea.
The organizers of the Tokyo Olympics, set for later this year, have insisted the games will go on. But a former top International Olympic Committee official, Dick Pound, cast doubt on those plans on Tuesday, saying the organizers had about a three-month window in which to decide to pull the plug.
The last time the Olympics were canceled was in 1944, when games scheduled for Italy and London were scrapped because of World War II.","If you received a refund in 2018 or 2019 via direct deposit to your bank account, and you did not change your bank account when you moved, you should be able to receive your rebate via direct deposit.

Tax experts said that they think it would be helpful for the IRS to provide guidance for taxpayers who have moved or have new bank accounts since they filed their most recent tax return.

Under the bill, the IRS has to send a notice to a taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days of distributing a payment. The notice should provide information about the payment amount, the method used to make the payment and an IRS phone number to report failures to receive the payment."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,Can people get checks even if they haven’t filed a tax return in recent years?,"In cases where people haven’t filed tax returns but receive Social Security benefits or railroad retirement benefits, the IRS can look at statements about those benefits to help get the checks to those people.

For people who have not filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return and do not receive Social Security or railroad retirement benefits, there is an incentive to promptly file a tax return to ensure that the IRS can reach them to distribute the money to them this year. 

People who do not file tax returns are typically low-income. For example, the IRS requires married couples with both spouses under 65 to file returns for 2019 if their gross income was at least $24,400. That threshold is raised to $27,000 in cases where both spouses were 65 or older. Social Security benefits often aren’t included in gross income.","The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported at least 81,191 cases of the virus as of Wednesday morning. The vast majority of those cases, 78,064, are in mainland China, and most of those are in Hubei Province, the epicenter of the outbreak.
But officials are increasingly worried about South Korea, where the number of cases has climbed from just a handful to more than 1,200 in the last week or so. An outbreak in Italy has infected 322 people, a worrying sign that the virus may be gaining a foothold in Europe. Seven other European nations confirmed new cases of the virus overnight. And an outbreak in Iran has infected more than 100 residents.
“The sudden increases in cases in Italy, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Korea are deeply concerning,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday.
The Iranian outbreak has spawned new cases in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman; the Italian outbreak is now linked to cases in Algeria, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.
Tuesday marked a sobering moment for epidemiologists watching the virus: It was the first day that more new cases were confirmed in countries besides China than new cases in China itself, according to the WHO.
There have been 57 cases diagnosed in the United States, 36 of whom were repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Most of the rest of the cases have occurred in travelers who have recently returned from China. Just two people have been infected in the United States itself."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"Are immigrants eligible to receive the checks?

",They are if they have a Social Security number. A Republican aide to the Senate Finance Committee noted in a call with reporters Wednesday that Green Card holders qualify for work-eligible Social Security numbers.,"If you received a refund in 2018 or 2019 via direct deposit to your bank account, and you did not change your bank account when you moved, you should be able to receive your rebate via direct deposit.

Tax experts said that they think it would be helpful for the IRS to provide guidance for taxpayers who have moved or have new bank accounts since they filed their most recent tax return.

Under the bill, the IRS has to send a notice to a taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days of distributing a payment. The notice should provide information about the payment amount, the method used to make the payment and an IRS phone number to report failures to receive the payment."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"Are college students eligible to receive the checks?

","If college students are at least 17 years old and are claimed as a dependent on their parents’ return, their family would not receive any payment amount for them. A college student who filed his or her own return and was not claimed as a dependent on his or her parents’ return would qualify for the rebates.","The coronavirus is a new phenomenon, which means scientists are only now beginning to research possible treatments or vaccines. No treatments have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, though there is a drug being tested on a patient who was repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
That drug, Remdesivir, was first developed as a potential treatment for MERS and SARS in animals and for Ebola in humans. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is working on a study to test whether the drug would be a suitable treatment for this coronavirus.
But until a treatment is developed, someone with a severe case of the virus will be treated with supportive care — in extreme cases, with intubation tubes and breathing machines.
The real silver bullet for any epidemic or pandemic is a vaccine — and that’s going to take a while. Some in the Trump administration have promised a vaccine within the space of a few months, but that’s extremely unlikely. Instead, the top expert in the federal government, NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, has said he hopes to have a vaccine developed in the next 12 to 18 months, a relatively fast timeline by scientific standards."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"I made $85,000 last year. How much money will I receive?

","For a single tax filer, the rebate amount reduces by $5 for every $100 of income over $75,000. So a single person with no children who had adjusted gross income of $85,000 in 2019, and has already filed a 2019 tax return, would receive $700.

Keep in mind that phase-out of the credit is based on people’s adjusted gross income, which does not include income put into pre-tax accounts such as traditional 401(k)s. As a result, someone with an annual salary of $85,000 and no other income could have adjusted gross income of less than $85,000.","No. The money is not counted as taxable income. It’s treated as a fully refundable tax credit against your 2020 taxes, meaning that you get the money even if you don’t have any tax liability."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"How can people who recently moved ensure they get their checks?

","If you received a refund in 2018 or 2019 via direct deposit to your bank account, and you did not change your bank account when you moved, you should be able to receive your rebate via direct deposit.

Tax experts said that they think it would be helpful for the IRS to provide guidance for taxpayers who have moved or have new bank accounts since they filed their most recent tax return.

Under the bill, the IRS has to send a notice to a taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days of distributing a payment. The notice should provide information about the payment amount, the method used to make the payment and an IRS phone number to report failures to receive the payment.","The coronavirus is a new phenomenon, which means scientists are only now beginning to research possible treatments or vaccines. No treatments have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, though there is a drug being tested on a patient who was repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
That drug, Remdesivir, was first developed as a potential treatment for MERS and SARS in animals and for Ebola in humans. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is working on a study to test whether the drug would be a suitable treatment for this coronavirus.
But until a treatment is developed, someone with a severe case of the virus will be treated with supportive care — in extreme cases, with intubation tubes and breathing machines.
The real silver bullet for any epidemic or pandemic is a vaccine — and that’s going to take a while. Some in the Trump administration have promised a vaccine within the space of a few months, but that’s extremely unlikely. Instead, the top expert in the federal government, NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, has said he hopes to have a vaccine developed in the next 12 to 18 months, a relatively fast timeline by scientific standards."
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"How are check amounts impacted if someone has a child in 2020?

","Tax experts said that since advanced payment amounts are based on taxpayers’ 2018 or 2019 returns, people who have children in 2020 would receive payments this year that don't take into account the new children. However, the rebates are credits against 2020 taxes, so new parents will get the additional credit reflecting their children when they file their 2020 tax returns next year.",They are if they have a Social Security number. A Republican aide to the Senate Finance Committee noted in a call with reporters Wednesday that Green Card holders qualify for work-eligible Social Security numbers.
The Hill,https://thehill.com/policy/finance/489762-more-questions-and-answers-about-the-coronavirus-checks,"What are areas where IRS guidance might be helpful?

","The coronavirus relief bill is not yet law, and the IRS has yet to provide information about how it plans to implement the provision about the rebates. On the IRS’s coronavirus landing page, the agency is telling people not to call it right now and to check back for updates at a later point.

Tax experts are hoping that the IRS issues guidance to clarify issues about eligibility when taxpayers’ situations differ in 2018, 2019 and 2020, as well as guidance about which nonfilers now need to submit a tax return in order to receive a payment.",They are if they have a Social Security number. A Republican aide to the Senate Finance Committee noted in a call with reporters Wednesday that Green Card holders qualify for work-eligible Social Security numbers.
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,Should you get tested for Covid-19 if you have a mild cold?,"Should you get tested for Covid-19 if you have a mild cold? Even if you have a fever, cough, severe cold or sore throat, you don't need to get tested for Covid-19. But if you have travelled to a Covid-19 affected country or have come in close contact with a person who has been laboratory-confirmed to be Covid-19 positive then, if you fulfil these two additional criteria, you need to get tested for Covid-19. For common cold one only needs regular treatment.","How safe is it to visit a hospital?
It is not completely safe to visit a hospital, more so if you are above the age of 60 or suffering from comorbidities. However, if you have to visit the hospital for screening, dialysis etc, inform your healthcare official beforehand and make sure you wear a mask and maintain safe distance from others."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,How long does it take for Covid-19 symptoms to appear?,"How long does it take for Covid-19 symptoms to appear? The incubation period usually takes 2-7 days but can take up to 14 days also. In most cases, after a person is infected, it takes up to 5-7 days for symptoms like cold and cough to appear.","Does yoga, pranayam help build immunity against Covid-19? There is no evidence that yoga, pranayam, ayurvedic or homoeopathic drugs are effective in treating Covid-19. Some people argue that since these exercises help build immunity, it can help fight the virus. That may or may not be the case. But as of now, there is no data supporting this as a treatment."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,Should everyone be wearing masks?,"Should everyone be wearing masks? Everyone need not wear a mask. If you have a cough and cold, you should wear a mask to not transmit the infection to others. if you are a healthcare worker looking after Covid-19 patients, then you need to wear a mask. But otherwise, a person who is going out for their day-to-day work, doesn't need to wear a mask. Sometimes it can be harmful too because if you wear a mask you keep adjusting it and touching your face. In case you do end up touching an infected surface and then touch your mask, you might end up infecting yourself. There is no data to substantiate if healthy people benefit from wearing masks.","Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,What about people who have existing respiratory conditions like asthma etc. do they need to wear a mask?,"What about people who have existing respiratory conditions like asthma etc. do they need to wear a mask? People with asthma or any other respiratory conditions should wash their hands frequently, minimise their social interactions and avoid going to crowded places where there is a higher chance of getting infected.","Can we travel from one city to another in personal cars?
No, most cities are under a lockdown"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,What if a colleague gets infected?,"What if a colleague gets infected? If you have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive, you should go into self-quarantine for two weeks. If you show symptoms, get tested.","When is the virus most contagious?
The average time from exposure to developing symptoms is five to six days, but can be up to two weeks. Tests have found high amounts of virus in the throats and noses of people a couple days before they show symptoms. Signs of virus also have been found in stool weeks after patients recover, but that doesn't mean it's capable of causing illness, scientists warn. ""The virus can be degraded,"" said Robert Webster, a St. Jude Children's Research Center virus expert. ""It's not necessarily infectious virus at all."""
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,Is it safe to visit hospitals?,"Is it safe to visit hospitals? Yes, it is safe to go to hospitals as Covid-19 patients are kept in separate isolation wards. The Covid-19 virus does not spread very far. If you have Covid-19 patients isolated in one area of the hospital then the virus won't reach the other area. Nonetheless, hospitals are crowded during flu season, so try postponing your visit to the OPD for routine checkups.","Can a person cured of Covid-19, get infected again? This is a viral infection. Like swine flu or H1N1, if you are exposed to it, you can get infected again. But once you get the infection, the human system develops antibodies to fight the virus which is why in case you contract the infection again it is likely to be less severe than before. So, if after getting cured for Covid-19, you end up getting infected again, you might have milder symptoms."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,Will summer or humidity kill Covid-19?,"Will summer or humidity kill Covid-19? Chances are it won't. It might reduce the transmissibility of the virus due to extreme heat. But we have seen tropical countries like Singapore report a good number of cases despite humidity. Plus during summers, people generally spend more time indoors and in air-conditioned spaces, where the temperature is low. This can instead spread the virus. Since we still don't know how this pandemic will play out in India, practicing social distancing is the best option.","How safe is it to visit a hospital?
It is not completely safe to visit a hospital, more so if you are above the age of 60 or suffering from comorbidities. However, if you have to visit the hospital for screening, dialysis etc, inform your healthcare official beforehand and make sure you wear a mask and maintain safe distance from others."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,"Can a person cured of Covid-19, get infected again?","Can a person cured of Covid-19, get infected again? This is a viral infection. Like swine flu or H1N1, if you are exposed to it, you can get infected again. But once you get the infection, the human system develops antibodies to fight the virus which is why in case you contract the infection again it is likely to be less severe than before. So, if after getting cured for Covid-19, you end up getting infected again, you might have milder symptoms.","Can we travel from one city to another in personal cars?
No, most cities are under a lockdown"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,Is herd immunity a better preventive strategy than social distancing?,"Is herd immunity a better preventive strategy than social distancing? The United Kingdom is using this model where it is allowing the virus to spread but is protecting the higher-risk group like the elderly people and people with heart conditions, hypertension, respiratory diseases etc. The idea is that since mortality is much less in younger age groups, they may end up having a large number of positive cases but will also lead to herd immunity given their lower mortality rate. As per experts, one problem with herd immunity is that if younger people get infected and infect the elderly at their home etc, then it can lead to higher mortality. This is why experts feel that social distancing is a better method in case of India.","Will I able to withdraw money?
Yes. Cashier and teller operations of banks, including ATMs, falls under the essential category list."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,"Does yoga, pranayam help build immunity against Covid-19?","Does yoga, pranayam help build immunity against Covid-19? There is no evidence that yoga, pranayam, ayurvedic or homoeopathic drugs are effective in treating Covid-19. Some people argue that since these exercises help build immunity, it can help fight the virus. That may or may not be the case. But as of now, there is no data supporting this as a treatment.","How deadly is it?
That won't be known until large studies are done to test big groups of people to see how many have been infected and with or without symptoms. Scientists have estimated the fatality rate from less than 1% to as high as 4% among cases diagnosed so far, depending on location. Flu kills about 0.1% of those it infects, so the new virus seems about 10 times more lethal, the National Institutes of Health's Dr. Anthony Fauci told Congress last week. The death rate has been higher among people with other health problems -- more than 10% for those with heart disease, for example. In the US, 30 million have diabetes, more than 70 million are obese and nearly 80 million have high blood pressure."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/faqs-on-coronavirus-everything-you-wanted-to-ask-about-covid-19/articleshow/74685853.cms,Does drinking alcohol kill coronavirus?,"Does drinking alcohol kill coronavirus? Alcohol is no solution. If you consume a lot of alcohol, it can make you drowsy and can compromise your immunity. Experts say that this might make you aspirate and that will make you susceptible to viruses.","Is herd immunity a better preventive strategy than social distancing? The United Kingdom is using this model where it is allowing the virus to spread but is protecting the higher-risk group like the elderly people and people with heart conditions, hypertension, respiratory diseases etc. The idea is that since mortality is much less in younger age groups, they may end up having a large number of positive cases but will also lead to herd immunity given their lower mortality rate. As per experts, one problem with herd immunity is that if younger people get infected and infect the elderly at their home etc, then it can lead to higher mortality. This is why experts feel that social distancing is a better method in case of India."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,How likely am I to catch COVID-19?,"The risk depends on where you are - and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there. For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings. Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19. COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can emerge rapidly. It's important to be aware of the situation where you are or intend to go.","Will it go away in the summer?
Flu fades each spring and the new virus may do the same, Fauci said last week in a podcast with a journal editor. ""I am hoping that as we get into the warmer weather we will see a decline that will give us a chance to get our preparedness up to speed,"" Fauci said. But that, too, is far from certain. ""We have to assume that the virus will continue to have the capacity to spread, and it's a false hope to say yes, it will just disappear in the summertime like influenza,"" said Dr. Michael Ryan, the World Health Organization's emergencies chief. Flu viruses also mutate quickly, requiring new vaccines to be made each year. If the coronavirus follows suit, Frieden said, ""It could become a virus that circulates around the world for many years to come."""
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,How long does the virus survive on surfaces?,"It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.","Viruses remain infectious on cardboard for 24 hours, and 3 days on plastic and stainless steel. So don't fail to wash up after touching these surfaces."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,Is there anything I should not do?,"These measures are not effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful: Smoking, Wearing multiple masks, Taking antibiotics. In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be sure to share your recent travel history with your health care provider.","For how long will the lockdown continue?
A majority of the states have issued guidelines until March 31, however, there are some instances where advisories have been issued for shut down of services till mid-April."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,Can humans become infected with the COVID-19 from an animal source?,"Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Occasionally, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed. To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.","What does it feel like?
Some cruise ship passengers described symptoms similar to the common cold or flu. ""It's been a 2 on a scale of 10,"" said Carl Goldman, who was hospitalized in Omaha, Nebraska, after flying home. However, a Chinese postgraduate student described going to the hospital twice after her symptoms worsened, and feeling ""a heavy head while walking, unable to breathe, and nauseous."""
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,How does COVID-19 spread?,"People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.","Can a person cured of Covid-19, get infected again? This is a viral infection. Like swine flu or H1N1, if you are exposed to it, you can get infected again. But once you get the infection, the human system develops antibodies to fight the virus which is why in case you contract the infection again it is likely to be less severe than before. So, if after getting cured for Covid-19, you end up getting infected again, you might have milder symptoms."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,Can I catch COVID-19 from the feces of someone with the disease?,"The risk of catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears to be low. While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in feces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the outbreak. Because this is a risk, however, it is another reason to clean hands regularly, after using the bathroom and before eating.","For how long will the lockdown continue?
A majority of the states have issued guidelines until March 31, however, there are some instances where advisories have been issued for shut down of services till mid-April."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?,"While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines.","What if someone needs to visit a pharmacy for medicines?
All pharmacies across the countries are categorised under the essential list and will continue to function as per their normal working hours."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,What are the symptoms of COVID-19?,"The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don't develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.","Can I go out in my vehicle to pick up someone who is stranded somewhere?
Yes, you can but only if the person concerned is not stranded outside the city limits"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?,"The ""incubation period"" means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.","Does drinking alcohol kill coronavirus? Alcohol is no solution. If you consume a lot of alcohol, it can make you drowsy and can compromise your immunity. Experts say that this might make you aspirate and that will make you susceptible to viruses."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,How long can coronavirus last on different surfaces?,"Viruses remain infectious on cardboard for 24 hours, and 3 days on plastic and stainless steel. So don't fail to wash up after touching these surfaces.","Can I step out to withdraw money from the ATM?
Yes, one can step out to withdraw money individually"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,Should I worry about COVID-19?,"Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones. We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.","What about people who have existing respiratory conditions like asthma etc. do they need to wear a mask? People with asthma or any other respiratory conditions should wash their hands frequently, minimise their social interactions and avoid going to crowded places where there is a higher chance of getting infected."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,What is COVID-19?,"COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.","What if a colleague gets infected? If you have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive, you should go into self-quarantine for two weeks. If you show symptoms, get tested."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?,"You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

 1: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

 2: Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

 3: Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

 4: Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

 5: Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

 6: Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places - especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease. Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.","Can I go out in my vehicle to pick up someone who is stranded somewhere?
Yes, you can but only if the person concerned is not stranded outside the city limits"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,"How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask?","1: Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.

2: Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water

3: Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.

4: Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).

5: Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side).

6: Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.

7: Pull down the mask's bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.

8: After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.

9: Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use.

10: Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask - Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water.","How deadly is it?
That won't be known until large studies are done to test big groups of people to see how many have been infected and with or without symptoms. Scientists have estimated the fatality rate from less than 1% to as high as 4% among cases diagnosed so far, depending on location. Flu kills about 0.1% of those it infects, so the new virus seems about 10 times more lethal, the National Institutes of Health's Dr. Anthony Fauci told Congress last week. The death rate has been higher among people with other health problems -- more than 10% for those with heart disease, for example. In the US, 30 million have diabetes, more than 70 million are obese and nearly 80 million have high blood pressure."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,What is a coronavirus?,"Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.","Is it safe to use the lift in my building. There are about 1500 apartments in the complex
Yes. You have to ensure that you maintain proper hand hygeine and respiratory hygiene. You can even try disposable gloves and face mask to protect yourself from catching the infection through the lift buttons."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,"Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?","Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing.","Will summer or humidity kill Covid-19? Chances are it won't. It might reduce the transmissibility of the virus due to extreme heat. But we have seen tropical countries like Singapore report a good number of cases despite humidity. Plus during summers, people generally spend more time indoors and in air-conditioned spaces, where the temperature is low. This can instead spread the virus. Since we still don't know how this pandemic will play out in India, practicing social distancing is the best option."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be transmitted through the air?,"Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air. See previous answer on ""How does COVID-19 spread?""","What does it feel like?
Some cruise ship passengers described symptoms similar to the common cold or flu. ""It's been a 2 on a scale of 10,"" said Carl Goldman, who was hospitalized in Omaha, Nebraska, after flying home. However, a Chinese postgraduate student described going to the hospital twice after her symptoms worsened, and feeling ""a heavy head while walking, unable to breathe, and nauseous."""
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,Should I wear a mask to protect myself?,Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask.,"Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Occasionally, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed. To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,Can CoVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms?,"The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill.","Will it go away in the summer?
Flu fades each spring and the new virus may do the same, Fauci said last week in a podcast with a journal editor. ""I am hoping that as we get into the warmer weather we will see a decline that will give us a chance to get our preparedness up to speed,"" Fauci said. But that, too, is far from certain. ""We have to assume that the virus will continue to have the capacity to spread, and it's a false hope to say yes, it will just disappear in the summertime like influenza,"" said Dr. Michael Ryan, the World Health Organization's emergencies chief. Flu viruses also mutate quickly, requiring new vaccines to be made each year. If the coronavirus follows suit, Frieden said, ""It could become a virus that circulates around the world for many years to come."""
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/faqs,Is COVID-19 the same as SARS?,"No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other genetically, but the diseases they cause are quite different. SARS was more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19. There have been no outbreaks of SARS anywhere in the world since 2003.","The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don't develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Can we travel from one city to another in personal cars?,"Can we travel from one city to another in personal cars?
No, most cities are under a lockdown","Are auto rickshaws allowed on the roads?
Yes, provided the drivers are willing to ferry passengers"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Can I step out to withdraw money from the ATM?,"Can I step out to withdraw money from the ATM?
Yes, one can step out to withdraw money individually","Will I be stopped if I am in my car and going outside the vicinity of my house to get essential items?
No. All essential services like chemist, grocery, vegetable vendors will continue to operate and no one should stop you from going to get essential items."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Will petrol pumps work?,"Will petrol pumps work?
Yes. Petrol pumps, LPG/OIL agencies will continue to function.","Will I be able to leave my city/state?
Several states have sealed their borders and only essential services and emergency cases are being allowed to cross. Travel only if you must."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Can I book an Uber or Ola to go to the airport?,"Can I book an Uber or Ola to go to the airport?
Yes","How safe is it to visit a hospital?
It is not completely safe to visit a hospital, more so if you are above the age of 60 or suffering from comorbidities. However, if you have to visit the hospital for screening, dialysis etc, inform your healthcare official beforehand and make sure you wear a mask and maintain safe distance from others."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Do I need to stock essential items?,"Do I need to stock essential items?
No. You don't need to stock essential items. There is enough stock available in the market and hoarding it won't be useful.","Can I book an Uber or Ola to go to the airport?
Yes"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Will I be arrested if I step out of home?,"Will I be arrested if I step out of home?
No","The ""incubation period"" means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,What if someone needs to visit a pharmacy for medicines?,"What if someone needs to visit a pharmacy for medicines?
All pharmacies across the countries are categorised under the essential list and will continue to function as per their normal working hours.","Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Will the internet and couriers be suspended?,"Will the internet and couriers be suspended?
No. All essential services, including internet and courier services, will continue to function.","Will I be arrested if I step out of home?
No"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Can I go out for a jog in the morning?,"Can I go out for a jog in the morning?
Yes, but only individually","Will I be arrested if I step out of home?
No"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Is it ok to go to the park in the neighbourhood for my morning walk?,"Is it ok to go to the park in the neighbourhood for my morning walk?
No. Under the current circumstances, it is best to avoid outdoor activities. However, if you can find a time of the day when there is no one around, you can take a quick stroll.","Will I be arrested if I step out of home?
No"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Will I be able to leave my city/state?,"Will I be able to leave my city/state?
Several states have sealed their borders and only essential services and emergency cases are being allowed to cross. Travel only if you must.","It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Are hospitals authorised to stop attendants from entering?,"Are hospitals authorised to stop attendants from entering?
Talk to your healthcare provider. Given the circumstances, it is best to stay away from hospitals.","Can I go out?
Avoid. A person should venture out of his home only for essential needs. People should also avoid public transport as much as possible."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Can I visit my neighbourhood elderly who stays alone?,"Can I visit my neighbourhood elderly who stays alone?
Compassion is a medicine but you can put them at risk, so it is best to interact over video calls and not visit them.","People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Will I able to withdraw money?,"Will I able to withdraw money?
Yes. Cashier and teller operations of banks, including ATMs, falls under the essential category list.","Can I go out?
Avoid. A person should venture out of his home only for essential needs. People should also avoid public transport as much as possible."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Will the hospitals remain open?,"Will the hospitals remain open?
Yes. Hospitals will operate normally.","Can a person cured of Covid-19, get infected again? This is a viral infection. Like swine flu or H1N1, if you are exposed to it, you can get infected again. But once you get the infection, the human system develops antibodies to fight the virus which is why in case you contract the infection again it is likely to be less severe than before. So, if after getting cured for Covid-19, you end up getting infected again, you might have milder symptoms."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,How safe is it to visit a hospital?,"How safe is it to visit a hospital?
It is not completely safe to visit a hospital, more so if you are above the age of 60 or suffering from comorbidities. However, if you have to visit the hospital for screening, dialysis etc, inform your healthcare official beforehand and make sure you wear a mask and maintain safe distance from others.","1: Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.

2: Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water

3: Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.

4: Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).

5: Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side).

6: Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.

7: Pull down the mask's bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.

8: After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.

9: Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use.

10: Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask - Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Are auto rickshaws allowed on the roads?,"Are auto rickshaws allowed on the roads?
Yes, provided the drivers are willing to ferry passengers","The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,For how long will the lockdown continue?,"For how long will the lockdown continue?
A majority of the states have issued guidelines until March 31, however, there are some instances where advisories have been issued for shut down of services till mid-April.","You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

 1: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

 2: Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

 3: Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

 4: Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

 5: Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

 6: Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places - especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease. Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Will isolation help 100 per cent prevention against corona?,"Will isolation help 100 per cent prevention against corona?
Yes. If you and your family have not been exposed to the virus, isolation will keep you protected. And if you have been exposed and recommended self-quarantine, make sure you follow that dutifully to keep other safe.","COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Is it safe to use the lift in my building. There are about 1500 apartments in the complex,"Is it safe to use the lift in my building. There are about 1500 apartments in the complex
Yes. You have to ensure that you maintain proper hand hygeine and respiratory hygiene. You can even try disposable gloves and face mask to protect yourself from catching the infection through the lift buttons.",Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask.
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,"Will I be penalised, if I break the lockdown?","Will I be penalised, if I break the lockdown?
All lockdown advisories should be followed with utmost seriousness. The police can take punitive action against you if they feel your actions are endangering the lives or disrupting the law.","Does the lockdown apply to online shopping?
Yes. E-commerce of all essential goods, including food, pharmaceutical and medical equipment will continue to function."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Can I go out in my vehicle to pick up someone who is stranded somewhere?,"Can I go out in my vehicle to pick up someone who is stranded somewhere?
Yes, you can but only if the person concerned is not stranded outside the city limits","How deadly is it?
That won't be known until large studies are done to test big groups of people to see how many have been infected and with or without symptoms. Scientists have estimated the fatality rate from less than 1% to as high as 4% among cases diagnosed so far, depending on location. Flu kills about 0.1% of those it infects, so the new virus seems about 10 times more lethal, the National Institutes of Health's Dr. Anthony Fauci told Congress last week. The death rate has been higher among people with other health problems -- more than 10% for those with heart disease, for example. In the US, 30 million have diabetes, more than 70 million are obese and nearly 80 million have high blood pressure."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Will local grocery stores operate?,"Will local grocery stores operate?
Yes. All stores selling food items, groceries — fruits, vegetables, milk, bakery items, meat, fish etc — will continue to remain open.","Are hospitals authorised to stop attendants from entering?
Talk to your healthcare provider. Given the circumstances, it is best to stay away from hospitals."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Does the lockdown apply to online shopping?,"Does the lockdown apply to online shopping?
Yes. E-commerce of all essential goods, including food, pharmaceutical and medical equipment will continue to function.","Is it ok to go to the park in the neighbourhood for my morning walk?
No. Under the current circumstances, it is best to avoid outdoor activities. However, if you can find a time of the day when there is no one around, you can take a quick stroll."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Should I visit a hospital at all? or just quarantine will do?,"Should I visit a hospital at all? or just quarantine will do?
If you experience flu like symptoms, it is best to consult a local doctor. Do not head to the hospital straightaway as it can expose you to the infection.","Is it ok to go to the park in the neighbourhood for my morning walk?
No. Under the current circumstances, it is best to avoid outdoor activities. However, if you can find a time of the day when there is no one around, you can take a quick stroll."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Will I be stopped if I am in my car and going outside the vicinity of my house to get essential items?,"Will I be stopped if I am in my car and going outside the vicinity of my house to get essential items?
No. All essential services like chemist, grocery, vegetable vendors will continue to operate and no one should stop you from going to get essential items.","The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/most-commonly-asked-questions-about-coronavirus-and-lockdown/articleshow/74791761.cms,Can I go out?,"Can I go out?
Avoid. A person should venture out of his home only for essential needs. People should also avoid public transport as much as possible.","It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-it-spreads-infects-coronavirus-impact-comes-into-focus/articleshow/74652524.cms,What does it feel like?,"What does it feel like?
Some cruise ship passengers described symptoms similar to the common cold or flu. ""It's been a 2 on a scale of 10,"" said Carl Goldman, who was hospitalized in Omaha, Nebraska, after flying home. However, a Chinese postgraduate student described going to the hospital twice after her symptoms worsened, and feeling ""a heavy head while walking, unable to breathe, and nauseous.""","What if a colleague gets infected? If you have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive, you should go into self-quarantine for two weeks. If you show symptoms, get tested."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-it-spreads-infects-coronavirus-impact-comes-into-focus/articleshow/74652524.cms,How deadly is it?,"How deadly is it?
That won't be known until large studies are done to test big groups of people to see how many have been infected and with or without symptoms. Scientists have estimated the fatality rate from less than 1% to as high as 4% among cases diagnosed so far, depending on location. Flu kills about 0.1% of those it infects, so the new virus seems about 10 times more lethal, the National Institutes of Health's Dr. Anthony Fauci told Congress last week. The death rate has been higher among people with other health problems -- more than 10% for those with heart disease, for example. In the US, 30 million have diabetes, more than 70 million are obese and nearly 80 million have high blood pressure.","These measures are not effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful: Smoking, Wearing multiple masks, Taking antibiotics. In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be sure to share your recent travel history with your health care provider."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-it-spreads-infects-coronavirus-impact-comes-into-focus/articleshow/74652524.cms,What are the symptoms?,"What are the symptoms?
Most people get fever and cough, sometimes fatigue or shortness of breath, and recover after about two weeks. About 15% develop severe disease, including pneumonia, Chinese scientists reported from 45,000 cases there. Symptoms usually start slowly and often worsen as the illness goes on. In a report last week on the first 12 patients in the US, seven were hospitalized; most had underlying health problems and got worse during the second week of illness. In China, slightly more males have been diagnosed with COVID-19 than females, which might be because roughly half of Chinese men smoke but only 5% of females do, Frieden said. Children seem to get less sick -- a report on 10 in China found that fevers tended to be milder and they lacked clear signs of pneumonia.","Will I be arrested if I step out of home?
No"
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-it-spreads-infects-coronavirus-impact-comes-into-focus/articleshow/74652524.cms,Will it go away in the summer?,"Will it go away in the summer?
Flu fades each spring and the new virus may do the same, Fauci said last week in a podcast with a journal editor. ""I am hoping that as we get into the warmer weather we will see a decline that will give us a chance to get our preparedness up to speed,"" Fauci said. But that, too, is far from certain. ""We have to assume that the virus will continue to have the capacity to spread, and it's a false hope to say yes, it will just disappear in the summertime like influenza,"" said Dr. Michael Ryan, the World Health Organization's emergencies chief. Flu viruses also mutate quickly, requiring new vaccines to be made each year. If the coronavirus follows suit, Frieden said, ""It could become a virus that circulates around the world for many years to come.""","How fast does it spread?
 Each infected person spreads to two or three others on average, researchers estimate. It spreads more easily than flu but less than measles, tuberculosis or some other respiratory diseases. It is not known if it spreads less easily among children, but fewer of them have been diagnosed with the disease. A study of 1,099 patients in China found that 0.9% of the cases were younger than 15."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-it-spreads-infects-coronavirus-impact-comes-into-focus/articleshow/74652524.cms,What's the test like?,"What's the test like?
The CDC recommends at least two swabs -- nose and throat. Samples are sent to labs that look for bits of viral genetic material, which takes roughly 4 to 6 hours. Altogether, it can take several days to ship a sample and get results back. It's been taking two to three days, and ""we are working really hard to see if we can shorten that time"" by developing an in-house test, Dr. Aimee Moulin of the University of California, Davis said Thursday in a conference call held by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Some areas have opened drive-thru sites for testing, which could reduce exposure to health workers and other patients or the public.","No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other genetically, but the diseases they cause are quite different. SARS was more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19. There have been no outbreaks of SARS anywhere in the world since 2003."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-it-spreads-infects-coronavirus-impact-comes-into-focus/articleshow/74652524.cms,How fast does it spread?,"How fast does it spread?
 Each infected person spreads to two or three others on average, researchers estimate. It spreads more easily than flu but less than measles, tuberculosis or some other respiratory diseases. It is not known if it spreads less easily among children, but fewer of them have been diagnosed with the disease. A study of 1,099 patients in China found that 0.9% of the cases were younger than 15.","Will the hospitals remain open?
Yes. Hospitals will operate normally."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-it-spreads-infects-coronavirus-impact-comes-into-focus/articleshow/74652524.cms,How it spreads,"How it spreads
Most spread is from droplets produced when an infected person coughs, which are inhaled by people nearby. Transmission from touching contaminated surfaces hasn't been shown yet, though recent tests by US scientists suggest it's possible -- one reason they recommend washing your hands and not touching your face. The virus can live in the air for several hours, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. Cleaning surfaces with solutions containing diluted bleach should kill it. ""While we are still learning about the biology of this virus, it does not appear that there is a major risk of spread through sweat,"" said Julie Fischer, a Georgetown University microbiologist. The biggest concern about going to the gym is infected people coughing on others, or contaminating shared surfaces or equipment, she said. Consider avoiding large classes and peak hours and don't go if you're coughing or feverish, she suggests. The risk of virus transmission from food servers is the same risk as transmission from other infected people, but ""one of the concerns in that food servers, like others facing stark choices about insurance and paychecks, may be pressured to work even if they are sick,"" she said.","Will petrol pumps work?
Yes. Petrol pumps, LPG/OIL agencies will continue to function."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-it-spreads-infects-coronavirus-impact-comes-into-focus/articleshow/74652524.cms,Can infected people who recover get it again?,"Can infected people who recover get it again?
It's not known. A few reports from China say some people had COVID-19, recovered and then fell ill again. It's unclear if that's a relapse, a new infection, or a case where the person never fully recovered in the first place. Scientists at the at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle say the 30,000-letter genetic code of the virus changes by one letter every 15 days. It's not known how many of these changes would be needed for the virus to seem different enough to the immune system of someone who had a previous version of it for it to cause a fresh infection. Fauci told Congress on Thursday that it was unlikely that someone could get reinfected. ""We haven't formally proved it, but it is strongly likely that that's the case,"" he said. ""Because if this acts like any other virus, once you recover, you won't get reinfected.""","It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose."
Times Of India,https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-it-spreads-infects-coronavirus-impact-comes-into-focus/articleshow/74652524.cms,When is the virus most contagious?,"When is the virus most contagious?
The average time from exposure to developing symptoms is five to six days, but can be up to two weeks. Tests have found high amounts of virus in the throats and noses of people a couple days before they show symptoms. Signs of virus also have been found in stool weeks after patients recover, but that doesn't mean it's capable of causing illness, scientists warn. ""The virus can be degraded,"" said Robert Webster, a St. Jude Children's Research Center virus expert. ""It's not necessarily infectious virus at all.""","Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,"If a person tests positive for influenza, they are not tested for coronavirus. Could a person have both?","Yes, a person could have both. This was the case for one patient in China, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 69-year-old man in Wuhan had both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus. Doctors initially diagnosed the man with the flu and later diagnosed the coronavirus.

Doctors studying the patient said the case ""suggests that COVID-19 might be underdiagnosed because of false-negative tests for upper respiratory specimens or co-infection with other respiratory viruses. Broader viral testing might be needed.""

Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, agrees.

""I don’t like that people are doing flu tests and saying therefore it’s not coronavirus,"" Hotez said. ""Traditionally, for flu, we know it’s possible to get other co-infectious with other viruses.""","No. While shortness of breath is among the most common symptoms of the virus,according to the CDC, that diagnosis does not necessarily involve holding alarge breath for 10 seconds. Medically known as dyspnea, shortness of breathis often described as ""an intense tightening in the chest, air hunger,difficulty breathing, breathlessness or a feeling of suffocation,"" accordingto the Mayo Clinic.If you think you may be sick, call your doctor and [follow CDCguidance](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html)."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Can testing show if someone has had coronavirus and then recovered?,"Yes, but it depends on what kind of test you do. ""If you do an antibody test, in theory it could show that you had the virus and then recovered,"" Hotez said.

To do an antibody test, you'd need to have blood drawn. But coronavirus tests in the U.S. aren't being done this way.","Depending on the type of surface, the virus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, according to the WHO. A recent study by scientists in the U.S. found that viable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. 

However, a subsequent report from the CDC found that genetic material from the virus can live on surfaces for more than two weeks. The CDC found traces of the virus' RNA, not the coronavirus itself, on surfaces in the cabins of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship – 17 days after passengers had left the cabins.

It's possible that you can become infected if you touch your face after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, according to the CDC. But scientists don't think surfaces are the main way that the virus spreads; the most common form of infection is from respiratory droplets spread by a person's cough or sneeze, the CDC reports.

Meanwhile, the WHO says it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, traveled and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. That means the virus cannot spread through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting coronavirus cases.

At the same time, the WHO is reportedly encouraging people to use as many digital payment options as possible. Viruses can survive on hard surfaces like coins for days in some cases. U.S dollars, a blend of fabric and paper, are harder for viruses to stick to."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Will mosquitos be able to catch this virus and pass it on to humans this summer?,"No, Hotez says. As far as we know, it's not a mosquito-transmitted virus.","The stimulus package expands unemployment insurance benefits. If you've lostyour job because of the outbreak, you will see your [weekly state insurancebenefits](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/25/coronavirus-stimulus-how-relief-congress-affects-you-economy/2913656001/) – which averageabout $400 – [increased by$600](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/27/coronavirus-stimulus-package-questions-answers/2930656001/) for four months. And if youare still unemployed after state benefits end, you could get an additional 13weeks of help."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Is it best to cancel routine doctor and dental appointments?,"Federal health officials are asking Americans to stay home as much as possible and cancel any elective surgeries. Some local and state governments have implemented stricter rules.

If it's possible to keep your appointment and speak with your provider over the phone or video, you should. However, if you cannot speak with a provider remotely and are able to reschedule your in-person appointment for a later date, you should.","In some cases, the virus ultimately damages tiny air sacs in the lungs,restricting oxygen to the bloodstream and depriving other major organs –including the liver, kidney and brain – of oxygen. **Severe cases of coronavirus:**[Some result in brain damage, inability towalk](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-what-acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards/5066412002/)In a small number of severe cases, that can develop into[ acute respiratorydistress syndrome(ARDS)](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-what-acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards/5066412002/), which requires apatient be placed on a ventilator to supply oxygen. However, if too much ofthe lung is damaged and not enough oxygen is supplied to the rest of the body,respiratory failure could lead to organ failure and death.Here's [what that looks like inside the body](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/03/13/what-coronavirus-does-body-covid-19-infection-process-symptoms/5009057002/)."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,What is involved in testing for the coronavirus? Is it the same as when they do a nasal swab for influenza?,"To collect a sample for a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, doctors typically use the same method of collection as they would for influenza: a nasopharyngeal swab. For this swab, a tiny Q-tip on plastic or a wire stem is put up your nose about 3 or 4 inches.

""I've had it done, and it's mildly uncomfortable for a few seconds,"" said Gregory Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group.

A doctor may also do a throat swab. In some cases, if you have a ""wet"" cough, a doctor may also have you cough up some phlegm into a collection cup. These specimen are then packed with ice and shipped to a lab for testing.

To determine if someone has recovered from the coronavirus, at least two different nasal swabs taken at least 24 hours apart must test negative, Poland said.","To collect a sample for a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, doctors typically use the same method of collection as they would for influenza: a nasopharyngeal swab. For this swab, a tiny Q-tip on plastic or a wire stem is put up your nose about 3 or 4 inches.

""I've had it done, and it's mildly uncomfortable for a few seconds,"" said Gregory Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group.

A doctor may also do a throat swab. In some cases, if you have a ""wet"" cough, a doctor may also have you cough up some phlegm into a collection cup. These specimen are then packed with ice and shipped to a lab for testing.

To determine if someone has recovered from the coronavirus, at least two different nasal swabs taken at least 24 hours apart must test negative, Poland said."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Should people in their 60s be concerned? Are they considered elderly?,"As with seasonal flu, people at highest risk for severe disease and death include people over the age of 60 and those with underlying conditions, according to the World Health Organization.

""Starting at age 60, there is an increasing risk of disease and the risk increases with age. The highest risk of serious illness and death is in people older than 80 years,"" Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, told reporters in a recent telebriefing.

The CDC recommends that people over 60 stock up on supplies, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, wash hands often, avoid crowds as much as possible, avoid cruises and don't fly on planes unless absolutely necessary.","Acknowledging that older adults and persons with underlying health conditionsare more susceptible to COVID-19, a growing number of stores are [dedicatingtime or openingearlier](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/17/coronavirus-shopping-stores-introduce-time-for-vulnerable-elderly-pregnant/5074064002/) for seniorshoppers and other at-risk groups.But Elliott says she doesn't advise it. ""That gives a false sense ofsecurity,"" she said. ""By encouraging older people with chronic diseases to goout at a dedicated time, you're still exposing them to a bunch of otherpeople, and if one person in that crowd is infected, then the virus willspread.""Elliott said she'd rather see stores limiting the number of people who canenter during a given time period so that there are fewer people in the store.She also encourages healthy people to do the shopping."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,"How likely are you to die from the virus?
","Of the more than 586,000 people who have been infected worldwide, more than 26,000 have died. That's a death rate of about 4.6%. The WHO has previously estimated the rate at about 3.4%.

The death rate, however, varies widely based on age, health and geographic location. People who are older or who have preexisting conditions are at higher risk of severe illness.","""It’s not the main mode of transmission. There's probably some component ofairborne, but I don’t think secondhand smoke would be a compounding factor,""said Tania Elliott, clinical instructor of infectious diseases at NYU Langone.If the smoke irritates your lungs and causes you to cough, that poses agreater risk of transmission since the virus is thought to mainly spreadthrough respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, Elliot said.Smokers are likely to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 as the act of smokingmeans that fingers and possibly dirty cigarettes are in contact with lips,[according to the WHO](https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-smoking-and-covid-19). Smokers may also already have lung disease or reducedlung capacity which would greatly increase risk of serious illness, the WHOsays.While data is still evolving about how long the virus may remain alive, [arecent study](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/) found thatviable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Can someone get the coronavirus more than once?,"Scientists aren't sure yet. For many viruses, including the MERS virus, patients are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover because a protective antibody is generated in those who are infected. But scientists still need to do more research to determine if this is also the case with COVID-19 and how long those antibodies may last.

""However, in certain individuals, the antibody cannot last that long. For many patients who have been cured, there is a likelihood of relapse,"" said Li QinGyuan, director of pneumonia prevention and treatment at China Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing.

Poland agreed, saying the chance of reinfection is ""very likely.""","The stimulus package expands unemployment insurance benefits. If you've lostyour job because of the outbreak, you will see your [weekly state insurancebenefits](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/25/coronavirus-stimulus-how-relief-congress-affects-you-economy/2913656001/) – which averageabout $400 – [increased by$600](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/27/coronavirus-stimulus-package-questions-answers/2930656001/) for four months. And if youare still unemployed after state benefits end, you could get an additional 13weeks of help."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Are infected people able to transmit the virus to their pets and visa versa?,"No, there is no evidence that pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19, according to the WHO.

Last month, the pet dog of a coronavirus patient in Hong Kong tested ""weak"" positive for COVID-19 and was put in quarantine. Scientists concluded that pet cats and dogs can test positive for low levels of the pathogen if they catch it from their owners, but pets can't get sick from the virus.","The CDC and WHO have not issued formal guidance on carry-out food.While the CDC says that there is no evidence to support transmissionassociated with food, a person may get COVID-19 by touching a surface orobject that has the virus on it and then touching their own face. The viruscan, for example, survive on cardboard up to 24 hours, [according to a recentstudy](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/).The issue of carry-out food also raises concerns about [the risk couriers arefacing](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2020/03/17/coronavirus-doordash-postmates-couriers-keep-regular-rates/5060297002/) by interactingwith customers during their shifts. That's why some companies are now offering[""contactless"" deliveryoptions](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/17/coronavirus-how-restaurants-adapting-uncertainty/5057617002/) that help people maintain socialdistancing by allowing couriers to ring the doorbell and leave the packageoutside. **Study finds:**[Coronavirus can live in the air for hours and on surfacesfor days](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/)"
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,How do the coronavirus stats compare to other bad flu seasons?,"In the U.S., influenza has caused 12,000 to 61,000 deaths annually since 2010, according to the CDC. So far this flu season in the U.S., there have been at least 38 million flu illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths from flu, according to the CDC.","There are no approved therapies or drugs to treat COVID-19. Anecdotal reportssuggest that a known anti-malarial (hydroxychloroquine) combined with a commonantibiotic (azithromycin, sold as Zithromax and Z-Pak) may offer some benefitin the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.A very small [study in France](https://www.mediterranee-infection.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hydroxychloroquine_final_DOI_IJAA.pdf) of just acouple dozen patients found some evidence that the combination was effectivein fighting COVID-19. A [subsequent study](https://www.mediterranee-infection.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-IHU-2-1.pdf?mod=article_inline)of 80 patients in France found clinical improvement in all but one. [Studiesin China](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.22.20040758v2) havesuggested similar results.Researchers have warned that the drugs [can have risky sideeffects](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/24/malaria-drug-chloroquine-unproven-coronavirus/2900563001/) and could cause subtle heartchanges and increase a person's risk of developing arrhythmia.Clinical trials of the drug combination [began in NewYork](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/amid-ongoing-covid-19-pandemic-governor-cuomo-accepts-recommendation-army-corps-engineers-four) on March 24,and the FDA on March 29 granted emergency use of hydroxychloroquine byhospitals. [Several otherclinical](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?recrs=&cond=COVID-19&term=hydroxychloroquine&cntry=US&state=&city=&dist=)trials are in the works, according to ClinicalTrials.gov. But it's still tooearly to say whether the drugs are effective."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Is it safe to swim at an indoor public pool? Can someone be infected there?,"Properly chlorinated pool water kills viruses, but you can still catch the coronavirus at the pool through other means, including: If you touch a surface that has the virus on it, or if an infected person coughs or sneezes and the respiratory droplets enter your mouth or nose, according to the CDC.","Yes, but it depends on what kind of test you do. ""If you do an antibody test, in theory it could show that you had the virus and then recovered,"" Hotez said.

To do an antibody test, you'd need to have blood drawn. But coronavirus tests in the U.S. aren't being done this way."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,How long does the virus live on an object like a dollar bill?,"Depending on the type of surface, the virus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, according to the WHO. A recent study by scientists in the U.S. found that viable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. 

However, a subsequent report from the CDC found that genetic material from the virus can live on surfaces for more than two weeks. The CDC found traces of the virus' RNA, not the coronavirus itself, on surfaces in the cabins of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship – 17 days after passengers had left the cabins.

It's possible that you can become infected if you touch your face after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, according to the CDC. But scientists don't think surfaces are the main way that the virus spreads; the most common form of infection is from respiratory droplets spread by a person's cough or sneeze, the CDC reports.

Meanwhile, the WHO says it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, traveled and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. That means the virus cannot spread through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting coronavirus cases.

At the same time, the WHO is reportedly encouraging people to use as many digital payment options as possible. Viruses can survive on hard surfaces like coins for days in some cases. U.S dollars, a blend of fabric and paper, are harder for viruses to stick to.","A study of more than 72,000 cases in mainland China found that at least one person between ten and 19 years of age had died, but no one younger than ten had died. A subsequent study in the journal Pediatrics found that a 14-year-old boy from China died in February after contracting the coronavirus.

It was not immediately clear if anyone younger had died elsewhere in the world.

By comparison, at least 155 children in the U.S. have died after contracting the flu so far this flu season, according to the CDC."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,What is being given to treat the coronavirus once you’ve become infected?,"There is no vaccine for the new virus and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19, so treatment consists of supportive care to help relieve symptoms and, for severe cases, care to support vital organ functions, the CDC says.

About 80% of people recover from the disease without needing special treatment, according to the WHO. For most patients, that means drinking plenty of fluids and resting, just as you would for the cold or flu.","There's no specific data on this question yet, according to Gregory Poland,director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group. However, we do know thatsomeone infected with the virus may begin showing symptoms anywhere betweenone and 14 days after catching the virus, most commonly around five days,[according to the WHO](https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses).""The peak viral shedding occurs during the first five days after the onset ofsymptoms. My guess is that within a few days of being exposed, these patientsare beginning to shed virus,"" Poland said.A recent report from the CDC studying an outbreak at a care home in WashingtonState found that among 23 residents who tested positive for the virus, 13 wereasymptomatic. Within a week, 10 of those 13 developed symptoms, with onset at3 days."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,How many children have been diagnosed with the virus? How many of them have died?,"Among the more than 4,000 cases in the U.S. as of March 16, only 5% were people aged 0–19 years, according to the CDC. Just 2%–3% of cases in that age group had to be hospitalized, and none were in the ICU.

This week, however, health officials reported that a 17-year-old teen in New Orleans died after contracting the virus. And a 2-month-old in Nashville who tested positive for the virus could be the youngest patient in the nation, officials say. In China, at least one two-day-old infant had been infected, according to a WHO study.","Depending on the type of surface, the virus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, according to the WHO. A recent study by scientists in the U.S. found that viable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. 

However, a subsequent report from the CDC found that genetic material from the virus can live on surfaces for more than two weeks. The CDC found traces of the virus' RNA, not the coronavirus itself, on surfaces in the cabins of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship – 17 days after passengers had left the cabins.

It's possible that you can become infected if you touch your face after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, according to the CDC. But scientists don't think surfaces are the main way that the virus spreads; the most common form of infection is from respiratory droplets spread by a person's cough or sneeze, the CDC reports.

Meanwhile, the WHO says it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, traveled and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. That means the virus cannot spread through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting coronavirus cases.

At the same time, the WHO is reportedly encouraging people to use as many digital payment options as possible. Viruses can survive on hard surfaces like coins for days in some cases. U.S dollars, a blend of fabric and paper, are harder for viruses to stick to."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,What are dangers to pregnant women?,,
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Is the presence of a fever always the first symptom of a coronavirus infection? Is there any value in taking your temperature every day?,"Symptoms of COVID-19 resemble the flu and include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. Some people also develop aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.

While fever is one of the most common symptoms, it's not productive to take your temperature every day, Poland said.

""That's like taking your blood pressure four times a day for no particular good reason. I’d probably not do that unless there's a reason to do it. For example, if you felt feverish, or if you traveled to a high-risk area, or if you had contact with somebody (infected),"" he said.","If you have symptoms and want to get tested, the CDC recommends calling your state or local health department or a medical provider.

Not sure if you should get tested? The CDC website features a ""self-checker"" to help you make decisions about seeking medical care. The feature is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 and is intended only for people in the U.S."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,How can I know if I have the coronavirus and should go for a test?,"If you have symptoms and want to get tested, the CDC recommends calling your state or local health department or a medical provider.

Not sure if you should get tested? The CDC website features a ""self-checker"" to help you make decisions about seeking medical care. The feature is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 and is intended only for people in the U.S.","Yes, a person could have both. This was the case for one patient in China, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 69-year-old man in Wuhan had both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus. Doctors initially diagnosed the man with the flu and later diagnosed the coronavirus.

Doctors studying the patient said the case ""suggests that COVID-19 might be underdiagnosed because of false-negative tests for upper respiratory specimens or co-infection with other respiratory viruses. Broader viral testing might be needed.""

Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, agrees.

""I don’t like that people are doing flu tests and saying therefore it’s not coronavirus,"" Hotez said. ""Traditionally, for flu, we know it’s possible to get other co-infectious with other viruses."""
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Does testing positive mean that I have the virus and that I will develop symptoms?,"Yes, testing positive means that you have the virus, but it does not mean that you will develop symptoms. Some people who have the virus don't have any symptoms at all.

At the same time, testing negative does not necessarily mean that you don't have the virus.","Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilusinfluenzae type B vaccine, do not provide protection against the newcoronavirus, [according to the World HealthOrganization](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters). The vaccines simply guardagainst those specific bacterial infections.The COVID-19 virus can, in fact, cause pneumonia, but the vaccines cannotprevent this pneumonia."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Can someone spread the virus without symptoms?,"Yes, some spread might be possible before people show symptoms, according to the CDC. However, people are most contagious when they are most symptomatic.","The CDC and WHO have not issued formal guidance on carry-out food.While the CDC says that there is no evidence to support transmissionassociated with food, a person may get COVID-19 by touching a surface orobject that has the virus on it and then touching their own face. The viruscan, for example, survive on cardboard up to 24 hours, [according to a recentstudy](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/).The issue of carry-out food also raises concerns about [the risk couriers arefacing](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2020/03/17/coronavirus-doordash-postmates-couriers-keep-regular-rates/5060297002/) by interactingwith customers during their shifts. That's why some companies are now offering[""contactless"" deliveryoptions](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/17/coronavirus-how-restaurants-adapting-uncertainty/5057617002/) that help people maintain socialdistancing by allowing couriers to ring the doorbell and leave the packageoutside. **Study finds:**[Coronavirus can live in the air for hours and on surfacesfor days](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/)"
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,"There has been a Hong Kong flu, a Swine flu, H1N1, SARS, MERS, Ebola, Zika and other global health threats since the 1960s. How is the coronavirus different?","The current outbreak is the world's first pandemic caused by a coronavirus, a family of virsuses that includes the COVID-19 virus, according to the head of the WHO.

While more people in the U.S. were infected by and died after contracting the flu in 1968 and 2009, the new coronavirus has infected and killed more people in the U.S. than did SARS, MERS, Ebola or Zika.

By comparison, the 1968 ""Hong Kong flu"" pandemic was caused by an influenza A virus and killed an estimated 1 million people worldwide, with about 100,000 deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC. The 2009 ""swine flu"" pandemic was caused by an H1N1 subtype of the influenza A virus and killed at least 151,000 people worldwide during the first year the virus circulated, with more than 12,000 deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC. ","Acknowledging that older adults and persons with underlying health conditionsare more susceptible to COVID-19, a growing number of stores are [dedicatingtime or openingearlier](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/17/coronavirus-shopping-stores-introduce-time-for-vulnerable-elderly-pregnant/5074064002/) for seniorshoppers and other at-risk groups.But Elliott says she doesn't advise it. ""That gives a false sense ofsecurity,"" she said. ""By encouraging older people with chronic diseases to goout at a dedicated time, you're still exposing them to a bunch of otherpeople, and if one person in that crowd is infected, then the virus willspread.""Elliott said she'd rather see stores limiting the number of people who canenter during a given time period so that there are fewer people in the store.She also encourages healthy people to do the shopping."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,How old was the youngest person to die from the virus?,"A study of more than 72,000 cases in mainland China found that at least one person between ten and 19 years of age had died, but no one younger than ten had died. A subsequent study in the journal Pediatrics found that a 14-year-old boy from China died in February after contracting the coronavirus.

It was not immediately clear if anyone younger had died elsewhere in the world.

By comparison, at least 155 children in the U.S. have died after contracting the flu so far this flu season, according to the CDC.","No, Hotez says. As far as we know, it's not a mosquito-transmitted virus."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,"My primary income is from rentals. If my tenants are unable to pay their rent, what kind of relief is available to me?","Trump in March signed [the largest economic stimuluspackage](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/27/coronavirus-house-set-pass-stimulus-package-includes-checks/2923953001/) in U.S. history.The [stimulus provides forbearance on mortgagepayments](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/31/coronavirus-what-happens-if-you-cant-pay-rent-due-pandemic/5099013002/) for up to a year butjust for federally-backed loans. Some states and banks are also issuing relieffor other types of mortgages. Once forbearance ends, borrowers would have towork out a repayment plan or loan modification with the mortgage servicer, theNational Housing Law Project says.Still, several states are granting moratoriums to renters but not owners,potentially forcing owners to pay their mortgage, utilities, taxes and othercosts even though they have less rental income.","There's no specific data on this question yet, according to Gregory Poland,director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group. However, we do know thatsomeone infected with the virus may begin showing symptoms anywhere betweenone and 14 days after catching the virus, most commonly around five days,[according to the WHO](https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses).""The peak viral shedding occurs during the first five days after the onset ofsymptoms. My guess is that within a few days of being exposed, these patientsare beginning to shed virus,"" Poland said.A recent report from the CDC studying an outbreak at a care home in WashingtonState found that among 23 residents who tested positive for the virus, 13 wereasymptomatic. Within a week, 10 of those 13 developed symptoms, with onset at3 days."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Is it true that everyone who is on unemployment due to COVID-19 will receive an additional $600 a week as part of the stimulus package?,"The stimulus package expands unemployment insurance benefits. If you've lostyour job because of the outbreak, you will see your [weekly state insurancebenefits](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/25/coronavirus-stimulus-how-relief-congress-affects-you-economy/2913656001/) – which averageabout $400 – [increased by$600](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/27/coronavirus-stimulus-package-questions-answers/2930656001/) for four months. And if youare still unemployed after state benefits end, you could get an additional 13weeks of help.","Depending on the type of surface, the virus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, according to the WHO. A recent study by scientists in the U.S. found that viable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. 

However, a subsequent report from the CDC found that genetic material from the virus can live on surfaces for more than two weeks. The CDC found traces of the virus' RNA, not the coronavirus itself, on surfaces in the cabins of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship – 17 days after passengers had left the cabins.

It's possible that you can become infected if you touch your face after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, according to the CDC. But scientists don't think surfaces are the main way that the virus spreads; the most common form of infection is from respiratory droplets spread by a person's cough or sneeze, the CDC reports.

Meanwhile, the WHO says it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, traveled and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. That means the virus cannot spread through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting coronavirus cases.

At the same time, the WHO is reportedly encouraging people to use as many digital payment options as possible. Viruses can survive on hard surfaces like coins for days in some cases. U.S dollars, a blend of fabric and paper, are harder for viruses to stick to."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,"What are the results so far with the tests of the Z-Pak and malaria med, hydroxychloroquine?","There are no approved therapies or drugs to treat COVID-19. Anecdotal reportssuggest that a known anti-malarial (hydroxychloroquine) combined with a commonantibiotic (azithromycin, sold as Zithromax and Z-Pak) may offer some benefitin the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.A very small [study in France](https://www.mediterranee-infection.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hydroxychloroquine_final_DOI_IJAA.pdf) of just acouple dozen patients found some evidence that the combination was effectivein fighting COVID-19. A [subsequent study](https://www.mediterranee-infection.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-IHU-2-1.pdf?mod=article_inline)of 80 patients in France found clinical improvement in all but one. [Studiesin China](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.22.20040758v2) havesuggested similar results.Researchers have warned that the drugs [can have risky sideeffects](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/24/malaria-drug-chloroquine-unproven-coronavirus/2900563001/) and could cause subtle heartchanges and increase a person's risk of developing arrhythmia.Clinical trials of the drug combination [began in NewYork](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/amid-ongoing-covid-19-pandemic-governor-cuomo-accepts-recommendation-army-corps-engineers-four) on March 24,and the FDA on March 29 granted emergency use of hydroxychloroquine byhospitals. [Several otherclinical](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?recrs=&cond=COVID-19&term=hydroxychloroquine&cntry=US&state=&city=&dist=)trials are in the works, according to ClinicalTrials.gov. But it's still tooearly to say whether the drugs are effective.","Of the more than 586,000 people who have been infected worldwide, more than 26,000 have died. That's a death rate of about 4.6%. The WHO has previously estimated the rate at about 3.4%.

The death rate, however, varies widely based on age, health and geographic location. People who are older or who have preexisting conditions are at higher risk of severe illness."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,How many people have recovered from the virus?,"More than 191,000 people worldwide have recovered from the virus as ofWednesday, according to [data from Johns HopkinsUniversity](https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6).Most of the recoveries have been in China, followed by Spain, Germany, Italyand Iran.Of the more than 203,000 confirmed cases in the U.S., more than 8,000 haverecovered.","In the U.S., ages range from an infant less than one year old to people intheir 90s, according to state and local health departments.The Illinois Department of Public Health said Saturday that [an infantcoronavirus patient younger than one yearold](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/28/coronavirus-update-trump-signs-stimulus-disney-parks-close-indefinitely/2928057001/) in Chicagohad died. An investigation was underway to determine the cause of death.""There has never before been a death associated with COVID-19 in an infant,""department Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said.This week health officials also reported that a [17-year-old teen in NewOrleans](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/26/coronavirus-live-updates-senate-stimulus-us-deaths-donald-trump/5079447002/) died aftercontracting the virus. And a [2-month-old inNashville](https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2020/03/26/2-month-old-tests-positive-coronavirus-nashville-tennessee/2915705001/) who testedpositive for the virus could be the youngest patient in the nation, officialssay.However, this range is not conclusive because health officials have notreleased the specific ages of several other patients, and new deaths are beingreported each day."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Will families who receive food stamps be eligible for the stimulus check?,"Yes, families who receive food stamps are eligible to receive a stimuluscheck! The $2 trillion stimulus plan includes [one-time payments of$1,200](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/26/coronavirus-americans-start-getting-stimulus-checks-three-weeks/5078658002/) per adult and$500 per child, $367 billion for small businesses, $500 billion for loans tolarger industries, $100 billion for hospitals and the health care system, and$600 more per week in unemployment benefits for those out of work.Here's [how you cancalculate](https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2020/03/26/find-out-how-much-your-stimulus-check/2917379001/) the amount of stimulus money yourhousehold can expect.","No, there is no evidence that pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19, according to the WHO.

Last month, the pet dog of a coronavirus patient in Hong Kong tested ""weak"" positive for COVID-19 and was put in quarantine. Scientists concluded that pet cats and dogs can test positive for low levels of the pathogen if they catch it from their owners, but pets can't get sick from the virus."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Is the virus a DNA molecule protected by a thin layer of fat that will disintegrate if that fat layer is removed outside your body?,"SARS-CoV-2 particles are spherical bundles of genetic material (RNA)surrounded by a fatty outer layer (lipids) with proteins called spikesprotruding from the surface. These spikes latch onto receptor proteins onhuman cells in the lungs and other tissues and change the structure of thosehuman cells, allowing the viral genes to enter the host cell to be copied,producing more viruses.Viruses need a host to ""survive,"" and the fat layer breaks down when it is outon its own in the environment. [Preliminary researchsuggests](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/health/2020/03/05/coronavirus-us-cases-symptoms-travel-deaths-prepare/4904568002/) that the virus is stable outside the body for differentperiods of time, depending on the climate and surface. You can ""kill"" thevirus using soap, extreme heat and ultraviolet light, and each attacks adifferent part of this virus structure. Soap breaks up the fatty outer layer.Heat breaks up the protein spikes. And UV light breaks up the genes inside.","Federal health officials are asking Americans to stay home as much as possible and cancel any elective surgeries. Some local and state governments have implemented stricter rules.

If it's possible to keep your appointment and speak with your provider over the phone or video, you should. However, if you cannot speak with a provider remotely and are able to reschedule your in-person appointment for a later date, you should."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Has anyone with preexisting conditions gotten the coronavirus and survived?,"Yes, many people have. While the risk for serious disease and death fromCOVID-19 is higher in people who are older or who have [certain preexistingconditions](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/health/2020/03/05/coronavirus-us-cases-symptoms-travel-deaths-prepare/4904568002/), thousands have survived.Data from the CDC published Tuesday found that, as of March 28, the U.S.reported 2,692 patients who had one or more underlying health conditions. Ofthose patients, 173 died. This limited data suggests that thousands of peoplewho have one or more underlying health conditions have not died.Moreover, a [February WHO study](https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/who-china-joint-mission-on-covid-19-final-report.pdf) ofmore than 70,000 coronavirus patients in China found that people withpreexisting conditions had higher fatality rates than those withoutpreexisting conditions: 13.2% for those with cardiovascular disease, 9.2% fordiabetes, 8.4% for hypertension, 8.0% for chronic respiratory disease, and7.6% for cancer. However, those figures suggest that large percentages ofpeople with preexisting conditions survived.","Officials suggest [self-quarantining](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/11/coronavirus-pandemic-quarantine-social-distancing-covid-19-defined/5020755002/) for twoweeks if you've had exposure to somebody with the virus and might be infected.It's a way to monitor if symptoms develop and, at the same time, avoid anypossible spread to others. Since the incubation period for the virus is up to14 days, you're ""cleared"" for the virus after two weeks, Elliott said.After that, you still [need to practice socialdistancing](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/03/16/social-distancing-coronavirus-isolation-quarantine-pandemic-virus-infection-symptoms/5019940002/).[Is it safe to go grocery shopping? Helpful tips during the coronaviruspandemic ](/in-depth/news/2020/04/03/safe-go-grocery-store-shopping-tips-amid-coronavirus/5103977002/) [Coronavirus might spread much farther than 6 feet inthe air. CDC says wear a mask in public. ](/in-depth/news/2020/04/03/coronavirus-protection-how-masks-might-stop-spread-through-coughs/5086553002/) [Fact check: Did the Obama administration depletethe federal stockpile of N95 masks?](/story/news/factcheck/2020/04/03/fact-check-did-obama-administration-deplete-n-95-mask-stockpile/5114319002/)"
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Can coronavirus be transmitted through secondhand smoke?,"""It’s not the main mode of transmission. There's probably some component ofairborne, but I don’t think secondhand smoke would be a compounding factor,""said Tania Elliott, clinical instructor of infectious diseases at NYU Langone.If the smoke irritates your lungs and causes you to cough, that poses agreater risk of transmission since the virus is thought to mainly spreadthrough respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, Elliot said.Smokers are likely to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 as the act of smokingmeans that fingers and possibly dirty cigarettes are in contact with lips,[according to the WHO](https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-smoking-and-covid-19). Smokers may also already have lung disease or reducedlung capacity which would greatly increase risk of serious illness, the WHOsays.While data is still evolving about how long the virus may remain alive, [arecent study](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/) found thatviable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air.","The White House is asking Americans to stay home as much as possible to slowthe spread of the virus, and some states and local governments have [issued""stay home"" and ""shelter-in-place""orders](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/21/coronavirus-lockdown-orders-shelter-place-stay-home-state-list/2891193001/).""I don’t think now’s the time to do it,"" Elliott said. ""If you have a housesomewhere else, that's fine. But I wouldn’t recommend being in hotels orcrowded public settings. If you want take a road trip and go camping, there'srisk associated with that."""
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Is cross-country road travel advisable to destinations outside of COVID-19 'hot spots'?,"The White House is asking Americans to stay home as much as possible to slowthe spread of the virus, and some states and local governments have [issued""stay home"" and ""shelter-in-place""orders](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/21/coronavirus-lockdown-orders-shelter-place-stay-home-state-list/2891193001/).""I don’t think now’s the time to do it,"" Elliott said. ""If you have a housesomewhere else, that's fine. But I wouldn’t recommend being in hotels orcrowded public settings. If you want take a road trip and go camping, there'srisk associated with that.""","Trump in March signed [the largest economic stimuluspackage](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/27/coronavirus-house-set-pass-stimulus-package-includes-checks/2923953001/) in U.S. history.The [stimulus provides forbearance on mortgagepayments](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/31/coronavirus-what-happens-if-you-cant-pay-rent-due-pandemic/5099013002/) for up to a year butjust for federally-backed loans. Some states and banks are also issuing relieffor other types of mortgages. Once forbearance ends, borrowers would have towork out a repayment plan or loan modification with the mortgage servicer, theNational Housing Law Project says.Still, several states are granting moratoriums to renters but not owners,potentially forcing owners to pay their mortgage, utilities, taxes and othercosts even though they have less rental income."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Can you catch the virus from people who've died?,"The main way the virus is thought to spread is through respiratory dropletsproduced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and this is not a concernafter death, [according to theCDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#anchor_1584390222777).But people should consider not touching the body of someone who has died ofCOVID-19, the CDC says.There is no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral orvisitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19, the CDCsays. Kissing, washing and shrouding should be avoided before, during andafter the body has been prepared, if possible. But holding the hand or huggingafter the body has been prepared for viewing may pose less of a risk, the CDCsays.","A study of more than 72,000 cases in mainland China found that at least one person between ten and 19 years of age had died, but no one younger than ten had died. A subsequent study in the journal Pediatrics found that a 14-year-old boy from China died in February after contracting the coronavirus.

It was not immediately clear if anyone younger had died elsewhere in the world.

By comparison, at least 155 children in the U.S. have died after contracting the flu so far this flu season, according to the CDC."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,What is the value of testing for the coronavirus if there is currently no treatment?,"There is value to getting tested because there are many reasons why someonewould seek medical care for their symptoms, and ruling out the coronavirus ishelpful in seeking other causes, said Jason Christie, chief of pulmonarymedicine at Penn Medicine.""The biggest problem is we don’t have a quick and reliable test right now.Without that, we have to be smart and ration the testing to those people thatneed them most. So don’t go out and get tested right now unless you’re sick,""Christie said.Testing also helps health officials figure out how prevalent and contagious avirus is.","No. While shortness of breath is among the most common symptoms of the virus,according to the CDC, that diagnosis does not necessarily involve holding alarge breath for 10 seconds. Medically known as dyspnea, shortness of breathis often described as ""an intense tightening in the chest, air hunger,difficulty breathing, breathlessness or a feeling of suffocation,"" accordingto the Mayo Clinic.If you think you may be sick, call your doctor and [follow CDCguidance](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html)."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Is it safe to get groceries during senior shopping hour?,"Acknowledging that older adults and persons with underlying health conditionsare more susceptible to COVID-19, a growing number of stores are [dedicatingtime or openingearlier](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/17/coronavirus-shopping-stores-introduce-time-for-vulnerable-elderly-pregnant/5074064002/) for seniorshoppers and other at-risk groups.But Elliott says she doesn't advise it. ""That gives a false sense ofsecurity,"" she said. ""By encouraging older people with chronic diseases to goout at a dedicated time, you're still exposing them to a bunch of otherpeople, and if one person in that crowd is infected, then the virus willspread.""Elliott said she'd rather see stores limiting the number of people who canenter during a given time period so that there are fewer people in the store.She also encourages healthy people to do the shopping.","As with seasonal flu, people at highest risk for severe disease and death include people over the age of 60 and those with underlying conditions, according to the World Health Organization.

""Starting at age 60, there is an increasing risk of disease and the risk increases with age. The highest risk of serious illness and death is in people older than 80 years,"" Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, told reporters in a recent telebriefing.

The CDC recommends that people over 60 stock up on supplies, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, wash hands often, avoid crowds as much as possible, avoid cruises and don't fly on planes unless absolutely necessary."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Can the virus be transmitted through the mail? Should I stop sending greeting cards?,"The chances of transmission through your mail is very low, Elliott says.""Parts of the virus can fall on surfaces and survive on surfaces for up to 72hours. But you have to have pretty good conditions for that to happen. So thelikelihood would be very small, even with no precautions,"" she said.Elliott advises people to put their mail down on a plastic plate instead ofdirectly on a counter top or table, to use a letter opener, and to wash handsthoroughly after touching the mail.Research on how long a virus may live on surfaces is evolving. The CDC hassaid there is likely very low risk of transmission of COVID-19 from productsor packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks ""because of poorsurvivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces.""A [recent study](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/) found thatviable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air, up to fourhours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days onplastic and stainless steel. But [a subsequent report from theCDC](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/) found that geneticmaterial from the virus can live on surfaces for more than two weeks.","In some cases, the virus ultimately damages tiny air sacs in the lungs,restricting oxygen to the bloodstream and depriving other major organs –including the liver, kidney and brain – of oxygen. **Severe cases of coronavirus:**[Some result in brain damage, inability towalk](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-what-acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards/5066412002/)In a small number of severe cases, that can develop into[ acute respiratorydistress syndrome(ARDS)](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-what-acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards/5066412002/), which requires apatient be placed on a ventilator to supply oxygen. However, if too much ofthe lung is damaged and not enough oxygen is supplied to the rest of the body,respiratory failure could lead to organ failure and death.Here's [what that looks like inside the body](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/03/13/what-coronavirus-does-body-covid-19-infection-process-symptoms/5009057002/)."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Are plastic grocery bags considered the plastic that you have to wait hours to touch?,"You should take precaution with any containers, Elliott says. ""The plasticgrocery bags I’d throw out right away, wash your hands and then clean yourfood. Chances (of infection) are low,"" she said. ""But better yet, bring yourown bags! It’s better for the environment anyway.""","The CDC and WHO have not issued formal guidance on carry-out food.While the CDC says that there is no evidence to support transmissionassociated with food, a person may get COVID-19 by touching a surface orobject that has the virus on it and then touching their own face. The viruscan, for example, survive on cardboard up to 24 hours, [according to a recentstudy](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/).The issue of carry-out food also raises concerns about [the risk couriers arefacing](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2020/03/17/coronavirus-doordash-postmates-couriers-keep-regular-rates/5060297002/) by interactingwith customers during their shifts. That's why some companies are now offering[""contactless"" deliveryoptions](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/17/coronavirus-how-restaurants-adapting-uncertainty/5057617002/) that help people maintain socialdistancing by allowing couriers to ring the doorbell and leave the packageoutside. **Study finds:**[Coronavirus can live in the air for hours and on surfacesfor days](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/)"
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,They keep saying stay isolated for two weeks. But what happens after the two weeks?,"Officials suggest [self-quarantining](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/11/coronavirus-pandemic-quarantine-social-distancing-covid-19-defined/5020755002/) for twoweeks if you've had exposure to somebody with the virus and might be infected.It's a way to monitor if symptoms develop and, at the same time, avoid anypossible spread to others. Since the incubation period for the virus is up to14 days, you're ""cleared"" for the virus after two weeks, Elliott said.After that, you still [need to practice socialdistancing](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/03/16/social-distancing-coronavirus-isolation-quarantine-pandemic-virus-infection-symptoms/5019940002/).[Is it safe to go grocery shopping? Helpful tips during the coronaviruspandemic ](/in-depth/news/2020/04/03/safe-go-grocery-store-shopping-tips-amid-coronavirus/5103977002/) [Coronavirus might spread much farther than 6 feet inthe air. CDC says wear a mask in public. ](/in-depth/news/2020/04/03/coronavirus-protection-how-masks-might-stop-spread-through-coughs/5086553002/) [Fact check: Did the Obama administration depletethe federal stockpile of N95 masks?](/story/news/factcheck/2020/04/03/fact-check-did-obama-administration-deplete-n-95-mask-stockpile/5114319002/)","There is no vaccine for the new virus and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19, so treatment consists of supportive care to help relieve symptoms and, for severe cases, care to support vital organ functions, the CDC says.

About 80% of people recover from the disease without needing special treatment, according to the WHO. For most patients, that means drinking plenty of fluids and resting, just as you would for the cold or flu."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Is it advantageous for a younger healthy person to get the coronavirus to build immunity to it?,"No, for several reasons, says Peter Hotez, dean of the National School ofTropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.While a protective antibody is generated in those who are infected,[scientists are not yetsure](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/) whether thatimmunity will last for a short period of time, for years or for life. Some saythe possibility of reinfection is very likely.Moreover, a [new federal health reportsays](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-illnesses-can-serious-young-adults-cdc-report/2874271001/) Americans of allages have faced serious health complications amid the outbreak. Data from theCDC show that among the roughly 12% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. known toneed hospitalizations, about 1 in 5 were among people ages 20 to 44. Anywherefrom 14% to 21% of adults ages 20 to 44 with COVID-19 have been hospitalized,the CDC data estimates. Two to 4% of cases led to ICU admissions, and lessthan 1% were fatal.Finally, it's important to avoid getting and spreading the virus. While theyoung may not be the most at risk, they're carrying the disease to those whoare more vulnerable, such as older people and those with underlyingconditions. Dr. Deborah Birx, a member of the White House coronavirus taskforce, on Wednesday urged ""the millennial generation"" to take specialprecautions. ""You have the potential to spread it,"" she said.","Yes, but it depends on what kind of test you do. ""If you do an antibody test, in theory it could show that you had the virus and then recovered,"" Hotez said.

To do an antibody test, you'd need to have blood drawn. But coronavirus tests in the U.S. aren't being done this way."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Does getting pneumonia shots given to elderly people help if you get this virus?,"Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilusinfluenzae type B vaccine, do not provide protection against the newcoronavirus, [according to the World HealthOrganization](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters). The vaccines simply guardagainst those specific bacterial infections.The COVID-19 virus can, in fact, cause pneumonia, but the vaccines cannotprevent this pneumonia.","No, the presence of the coronavirus would not turn a flu test positive.However, it's possible to have both the coronavirus and the flu at the sametime. In that case, the flu test would be positive.The opposite is also true: Presence of the flu would not result in a positivecoronavirus test. It's important to note that, even if someone tests negativefor the coronavirus, they still may be infected with the coronavirus."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,"I see people in my neighborhood out running, riding bikes and walking their dogs. Is that OK?","Yes, that's OK! Just be sure to maintain distance from other people. [The CDCrecommends](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention.html)a distance of about 6 feet. Even in states and counties where [residents arebeing asked to stayhome](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/21/coronavirus-lockdown-orders-shelter-place-stay-home-state-list/2891193001/) or ""[shelterin place](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/17/coronavirus-san-francisco-california-shelter-in-place/5073397002/),"" it's still fine to gofor a run, hike or do other outdoor activities, as long as proper socialdistancing is observed.Just don't be like Chicago, where city officials closed trails and parks aftercrowds of hundreds of people were seen congregating along the city’slakefront.Remember: The White House recommends that you should avoid social gatheringsinvolving more than 10 people, as well as all non-essential travel, shoppingtrips and social visits. **Social distancing:**[Why it's so important to stopping the spread ofcoronavirus ](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/03/16/social-distancing-coronavirus-isolation-quarantine-pandemic-virus-infection-symptoms/5019940002/)","There is value to getting tested because there are many reasons why someonewould seek medical care for their symptoms, and ruling out the coronavirus ishelpful in seeking other causes, said Jason Christie, chief of pulmonarymedicine at Penn Medicine.""The biggest problem is we don’t have a quick and reliable test right now.Without that, we have to be smart and ration the testing to those people thatneed them most. So don’t go out and get tested right now unless you’re sick,""Christie said.Testing also helps health officials figure out how prevalent and contagious avirus is."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Are there any projections to estimate the spread of COVID-19 and a timeline of its passing?,"Yes, there are many projections, but scientists say they [all hinge on howpeoplebehave](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/18/coronavirus-us-when-end-tips-survive/5064025002/). That's why it's essential to socialdistance and do what you can to prevent spread.A [conservative USA TODAY analysis](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2020/03/13/us-hospitals-overwhlemed-coronavirus-cases-result-in-too-few-beds/5002942002/) based on data from the AmericanHospital Association, U.S. Census, CDC and WHO estimates that 23.8 millionAmericans could contract COVID-19, leaving almost six seriously ill patientsfor every existing hospital bed. [Another analysisfinds](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/world/2020/03/19/coronavirus-curve-us-may-its-most-dangerous-point/2863553001/) that America’s trajectoryof community spread is trending toward Italy’s, where circumstances are dire.One researcher at the Global Center for Health Security estimated last monththat as many as 96 million Americans could be infected. The U.S. population onMarch 27 is estimated at 329 million.The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security estimated that 38 millionAmericans will need medical care for COVID-19. The CDC's [worst-case-scenario](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/world/2020/03/19/coronavirus-curve-us-may-its-most-dangerous-point/2863553001/) is that about 160 millionto 210 million Americans will be infected by December. Under this forecast, 21million people would need hospitalization and 200,000 to 1.7 million could dieby the end of the year.Outside the U.S., leaked British documents projected that a coronavirusoutbreak could rage until spring 2021. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said[60% to 70% of her country'spopulation](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/11/coronavirus-live-updates-washington-ban-michigan-cases-us-death/5011587002/) couldeventually become infected. **USA TODAY analysis:**[America's coronavirus 'curve' may be at its mostdangerous point](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/world/2020/03/19/coronavirus-curve-us-may-its-most-dangerous-point/2863553001/)","Among the more than 4,000 cases in the U.S. as of March 16, only 5% were people aged 0–19 years, according to the CDC. Just 2%–3% of cases in that age group had to be hospitalized, and none were in the ICU.

This week, however, health officials reported that a 17-year-old teen in New Orleans died after contracting the virus. And a 2-month-old in Nashville who tested positive for the virus could be the youngest patient in the nation, officials say. In China, at least one two-day-old infant had been infected, according to a WHO study."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Is it safe to get carry-out food?,"The CDC and WHO have not issued formal guidance on carry-out food.While the CDC says that there is no evidence to support transmissionassociated with food, a person may get COVID-19 by touching a surface orobject that has the virus on it and then touching their own face. The viruscan, for example, survive on cardboard up to 24 hours, [according to a recentstudy](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/).The issue of carry-out food also raises concerns about [the risk couriers arefacing](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2020/03/17/coronavirus-doordash-postmates-couriers-keep-regular-rates/5060297002/) by interactingwith customers during their shifts. That's why some companies are now offering[""contactless"" deliveryoptions](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/17/coronavirus-how-restaurants-adapting-uncertainty/5057617002/) that help people maintain socialdistancing by allowing couriers to ring the doorbell and leave the packageoutside. **Study finds:**[Coronavirus can live in the air for hours and on surfacesfor days](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/)","As with seasonal flu, people at highest risk for severe disease and death include people over the age of 60 and those with underlying conditions, according to the World Health Organization.

""Starting at age 60, there is an increasing risk of disease and the risk increases with age. The highest risk of serious illness and death is in people older than 80 years,"" Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, told reporters in a recent telebriefing.

The CDC recommends that people over 60 stock up on supplies, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, wash hands often, avoid crowds as much as possible, avoid cruises and don't fly on planes unless absolutely necessary."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,How soon after exposure can you test positive?,"There's no specific data on this question yet, according to Gregory Poland,director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group. However, we do know thatsomeone infected with the virus may begin showing symptoms anywhere betweenone and 14 days after catching the virus, most commonly around five days,[according to the WHO](https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses).""The peak viral shedding occurs during the first five days after the onset ofsymptoms. My guess is that within a few days of being exposed, these patientsare beginning to shed virus,"" Poland said.A recent report from the CDC studying an outbreak at a care home in WashingtonState found that among 23 residents who tested positive for the virus, 13 wereasymptomatic. Within a week, 10 of those 13 developed symptoms, with onset at3 days.","Federal health officials are asking Americans to stay home as much as possible and cancel any elective surgeries. Some local and state governments have implemented stricter rules.

If it's possible to keep your appointment and speak with your provider over the phone or video, you should. However, if you cannot speak with a provider remotely and are able to reschedule your in-person appointment for a later date, you should."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Do the symptoms for COVID-19 come together or can you have separate symptoms showing up at different times?,"The most common symptoms are fever, tiredness and dry cough, according to theWHO. Shortness of breath is also among the most common symptoms, according tothe CDC. In most cases where symptoms present, those symptoms come together,Hotez said.""Usually it presents with fever and cough, or fever, cough, and shortness ofbreath,"" he said. ""It might present with one of those symptoms first, but thenit rapidly progresses to the others.""Some patients also have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sorethroat or diarrhea. Some people do not have symptoms at all.A [New York neurosurgeon is warningpeople](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/new-york-doctor-tests-positive-coronavirus-reports-different-symptoms/2873342001/) againstlooking out for fever as the first tell-tale symptom of the virus. Hissymptoms began with a little bit of congestion and only later progressed to afever, body aches and chills. **More on testing:**[Coronavirus test swabs aren't your standard Q-tips, andthey're running out as testing rampsup](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/coronavirus-testing-nasopharyngeal-swabs-running-out-tests-ramp-up/2863270001/)","In some cases, the virus ultimately damages tiny air sacs in the lungs,restricting oxygen to the bloodstream and depriving other major organs –including the liver, kidney and brain – of oxygen. **Severe cases of coronavirus:**[Some result in brain damage, inability towalk](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-what-acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards/5066412002/)In a small number of severe cases, that can develop into[ acute respiratorydistress syndrome(ARDS)](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-what-acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards/5066412002/), which requires apatient be placed on a ventilator to supply oxygen. However, if too much ofthe lung is damaged and not enough oxygen is supplied to the rest of the body,respiratory failure could lead to organ failure and death.Here's [what that looks like inside the body](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/03/13/what-coronavirus-does-body-covid-19-infection-process-symptoms/5009057002/)."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,How do you actually die from the coronavirus? What happens?,"In some cases, the virus ultimately damages tiny air sacs in the lungs,restricting oxygen to the bloodstream and depriving other major organs –including the liver, kidney and brain – of oxygen. **Severe cases of coronavirus:**[Some result in brain damage, inability towalk](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-what-acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards/5066412002/)In a small number of severe cases, that can develop into[ acute respiratorydistress syndrome(ARDS)](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-what-acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards/5066412002/), which requires apatient be placed on a ventilator to supply oxygen. However, if too much ofthe lung is damaged and not enough oxygen is supplied to the rest of the body,respiratory failure could lead to organ failure and death.Here's [what that looks like inside the body](https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/03/13/what-coronavirus-does-body-covid-19-infection-process-symptoms/5009057002/).","Yes, but it depends on what kind of test you do. ""If you do an antibody test, in theory it could show that you had the virus and then recovered,"" Hotez said.

To do an antibody test, you'd need to have blood drawn. But coronavirus tests in the U.S. aren't being done this way."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,What is the age range of U.S. deaths from COVID-19?,"In the U.S., ages range from an infant less than one year old to people intheir 90s, according to state and local health departments.The Illinois Department of Public Health said Saturday that [an infantcoronavirus patient younger than one yearold](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/28/coronavirus-update-trump-signs-stimulus-disney-parks-close-indefinitely/2928057001/) in Chicagohad died. An investigation was underway to determine the cause of death.""There has never before been a death associated with COVID-19 in an infant,""department Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said.This week health officials also reported that a [17-year-old teen in NewOrleans](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/26/coronavirus-live-updates-senate-stimulus-us-deaths-donald-trump/5079447002/) died aftercontracting the virus. And a [2-month-old inNashville](https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2020/03/26/2-month-old-tests-positive-coronavirus-nashville-tennessee/2915705001/) who testedpositive for the virus could be the youngest patient in the nation, officialssay.However, this range is not conclusive because health officials have notreleased the specific ages of several other patients, and new deaths are beingreported each day.","Of the more than 586,000 people who have been infected worldwide, more than 26,000 have died. That's a death rate of about 4.6%. The WHO has previously estimated the rate at about 3.4%.

The death rate, however, varies widely based on age, health and geographic location. People who are older or who have preexisting conditions are at higher risk of severe illness."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,"If a person is sick with the coronavirus and gets tested for the flu, would the flu test be positive?","No, the presence of the coronavirus would not turn a flu test positive.However, it's possible to have both the coronavirus and the flu at the sametime. In that case, the flu test would be positive.The opposite is also true: Presence of the flu would not result in a positivecoronavirus test. It's important to note that, even if someone tests negativefor the coronavirus, they still may be infected with the coronavirus.","Acknowledging that older adults and persons with underlying health conditionsare more susceptible to COVID-19, a growing number of stores are [dedicatingtime or openingearlier](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/17/coronavirus-shopping-stores-introduce-time-for-vulnerable-elderly-pregnant/5074064002/) for seniorshoppers and other at-risk groups.But Elliott says she doesn't advise it. ""That gives a false sense ofsecurity,"" she said. ""By encouraging older people with chronic diseases to goout at a dedicated time, you're still exposing them to a bunch of otherpeople, and if one person in that crowd is infected, then the virus willspread.""Elliott said she'd rather see stores limiting the number of people who canenter during a given time period so that there are fewer people in the store.She also encourages healthy people to do the shopping."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,I was told I should be tested if I could not easily inhale a large breath and hold it for at least 10 seconds. Is this good advice?,"No. While shortness of breath is among the most common symptoms of the virus,according to the CDC, that diagnosis does not necessarily involve holding alarge breath for 10 seconds. Medically known as dyspnea, shortness of breathis often described as ""an intense tightening in the chest, air hunger,difficulty breathing, breathlessness or a feeling of suffocation,"" accordingto the Mayo Clinic.If you think you may be sick, call your doctor and [follow CDCguidance](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).","Yes, families who receive food stamps are eligible to receive a stimuluscheck! The $2 trillion stimulus plan includes [one-time payments of$1,200](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/26/coronavirus-americans-start-getting-stimulus-checks-three-weeks/5078658002/) per adult and$500 per child, $367 billion for small businesses, $500 billion for loans tolarger industries, $100 billion for hospitals and the health care system, and$600 more per week in unemployment benefits for those out of work.Here's [how you cancalculate](https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2020/03/26/find-out-how-much-your-stimulus-check/2917379001/) the amount of stimulus money yourhousehold can expect."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-reader-questions-death-age-flu-symptoms-food-timeline/2863776001/,Can masks be reused by an infected person or used only once?,"The longer a mask is used and the more damp it becomes, the less effective itis, Poland said. ""But it is definitely better than the alternative of nomask!""","Of the more than 586,000 people who have been infected worldwide, more than 26,000 have died. That's a death rate of about 4.6%. The WHO has previously estimated the rate at about 3.4%.

The death rate, however, varies widely based on age, health and geographic location. People who are older or who have preexisting conditions are at higher risk of severe illness."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,"If a person tests positive for influenza, they are not tested for coronavirus. Could a person have both?","Yes, a person could have both. This was the case for one patient in China, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 69-year-old man in Wuhan had both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus. Doctors initially diagnosed the man with the flu and later diagnosed the coronavirus.

Doctors studying the patient said the case ""suggests that COVID-19 might be underdiagnosed because of false-negative tests for upper respiratory specimens or co-infection with other respiratory viruses. Broader viral testing might be needed.""

Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, agrees.

""I don’t like that people are doing flu tests and saying therefore it’s not coronavirus,"" Hotez said. ""Traditionally, for flu, we know it’s possible to get other co-infectious with other viruses.""","Scientists aren't sure yet. For many viruses, including the MERS virus, patients are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover because a protective antibody is generated in those who are infected. But scientists still need to do more research to determine if this is also the case with COVID-19 and how long those antibodies may last.

""However, in certain individuals, the antibody cannot last that long. For many patients who have been cured, there is a likelihood of relapse,"" said Li QinGyuan, director of pneumonia prevention and treatment at China Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing.

Poland agreed, saying the chance of reinfection is ""very likely."""
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Can testing show if someone has had coronavirus and then recovered?,"Yes, but it depends on what kind of test you do. ""If you do an antibody test, in theory it could show that you had the virus and then recovered,"" Hotez said.

To do an antibody test, you'd need to have blood drawn. But coronavirus tests in the U.S. aren't being done this way.","Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilusinfluenzae type B vaccine, do not provide protection against the newcoronavirus, [according to the World HealthOrganization](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters). The vaccines simply guardagainst those specific bacterial infections.The COVID-19 virus can, in fact, cause pneumonia, but the vaccines cannotprevent this pneumonia."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Is it best to cancel routine doctor and dental appointments?,"Federal health officials are asking Americans to stay home as much as possible and cancel any elective surgeries. Some local and state governments have implemented stricter rules.

If it's possible to keep your appointment and speak with your provider over the phone or video, you should. However, if you cannot speak with a provider remotely and are able to reschedule your in-person appointment for a later date, you should.","The longer a mask is used and the more damp it becomes, the less effective itis, Poland said. ""But it is definitely better than the alternative of nomask!"""
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,What is involved in testing for the coronavirus? Is it the same as when they do a nasal swab for influenza?,"To collect a sample for a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, doctors typically use the same method of collection as they would for influenza: a nasopharyngeal swab. For this swab, a tiny Q-tip on plastic or a wire stem is put up your nose about 3 or 4 inches.

""I've had it done, and it's mildly uncomfortable for a few seconds,"" said Gregory Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group.

A doctor may also do a throat swab. In some cases, if you have a ""wet"" cough, a doctor may also have you cough up some phlegm into a collection cup. These specimen are then packed with ice and shipped to a lab for testing.

To determine if someone has recovered from the coronavirus, at least two different nasal swabs taken at least 24 hours apart must test negative, Poland said.","A study of more than 72,000 cases in mainland China found that at least one person between ten and 19 years of age had died, but no one younger than ten had died. A subsequent study in the journal Pediatrics found that a 14-year-old boy from China died in February after contracting the coronavirus.

It was not immediately clear if anyone younger had died elsewhere in the world.

By comparison, at least 155 children in the U.S. have died after contracting the flu so far this flu season, according to the CDC."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Should people in their 60s be concerned? Are they considered elderly?,"As with seasonal flu, people at highest risk for severe disease and death include people over the age of 60 and those with underlying conditions, according to the World Health Organization.

""Starting at age 60, there is an increasing risk of disease and the risk increases with age. The highest risk of serious illness and death is in people older than 80 years,"" Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, told reporters in a recent telebriefing.

The CDC recommends that people over 60 stock up on supplies, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, wash hands often, avoid crowds as much as possible, avoid cruises and don't fly on planes unless absolutely necessary.","If you have symptoms and want to get tested, the CDC recommends calling your state or local health department or a medical provider.

Not sure if you should get tested? The CDC website features a ""self-checker"" to help you make decisions about seeking medical care. The feature is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 and is intended only for people in the U.S."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,"How likely are you to die from the virus?
","Of the more than 586,000 people who have been infected worldwide, more than 26,000 have died. That's a death rate of about 4.6%. The WHO has previously estimated the rate at about 3.4%.

The death rate, however, varies widely based on age, health and geographic location. People who are older or who have preexisting conditions are at higher risk of severe illness.","""It’s not the main mode of transmission. There's probably some component ofairborne, but I don’t think secondhand smoke would be a compounding factor,""said Tania Elliott, clinical instructor of infectious diseases at NYU Langone.If the smoke irritates your lungs and causes you to cough, that poses agreater risk of transmission since the virus is thought to mainly spreadthrough respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, Elliot said.Smokers are likely to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 as the act of smokingmeans that fingers and possibly dirty cigarettes are in contact with lips,[according to the WHO](https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-smoking-and-covid-19). Smokers may also already have lung disease or reducedlung capacity which would greatly increase risk of serious illness, the WHOsays.While data is still evolving about how long the virus may remain alive, [arecent study](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/18/heres-how-long-coronavirus-can-live-surfaces-and-air-study/2863287001/) found thatviable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Can someone get the coronavirus more than once?,"Scientists aren't sure yet. For many viruses, including the MERS virus, patients are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover because a protective antibody is generated in those who are infected. But scientists still need to do more research to determine if this is also the case with COVID-19 and how long those antibodies may last.

""However, in certain individuals, the antibody cannot last that long. For many patients who have been cured, there is a likelihood of relapse,"" said Li QinGyuan, director of pneumonia prevention and treatment at China Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing.

Poland agreed, saying the chance of reinfection is ""very likely.""","No, the presence of the coronavirus would not turn a flu test positive.However, it's possible to have both the coronavirus and the flu at the sametime. In that case, the flu test would be positive.The opposite is also true: Presence of the flu would not result in a positivecoronavirus test. It's important to note that, even if someone tests negativefor the coronavirus, they still may be infected with the coronavirus."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Are infected people able to transmit the virus to their pets and visa versa?,"No, there is no evidence that pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19, according to the WHO.

Last month, the pet dog of a coronavirus patient in Hong Kong tested ""weak"" positive for COVID-19 and was put in quarantine. Scientists concluded that pet cats and dogs can test positive for low levels of the pathogen if they catch it from their owners, but pets can't get sick from the virus.","Yes, a person could have both. This was the case for one patient in China, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 69-year-old man in Wuhan had both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus. Doctors initially diagnosed the man with the flu and later diagnosed the coronavirus.

Doctors studying the patient said the case ""suggests that COVID-19 might be underdiagnosed because of false-negative tests for upper respiratory specimens or co-infection with other respiratory viruses. Broader viral testing might be needed.""

Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, agrees.

""I don’t like that people are doing flu tests and saying therefore it’s not coronavirus,"" Hotez said. ""Traditionally, for flu, we know it’s possible to get other co-infectious with other viruses."""
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,How long does the virus live on an object like a dollar bill?,"Depending on the type of surface, the virus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, according to the WHO. A recent study by scientists in the U.S. found that viable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. 

However, a subsequent report from the CDC found that genetic material from the virus can live on surfaces for more than two weeks. The CDC found traces of the virus' RNA, not the coronavirus itself, on surfaces in the cabins of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship – 17 days after passengers had left the cabins.

It's possible that you can become infected if you touch your face after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, according to the CDC. But scientists don't think surfaces are the main way that the virus spreads; the most common form of infection is from respiratory droplets spread by a person's cough or sneeze, the CDC reports.

Meanwhile, the WHO says it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, traveled and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. That means the virus cannot spread through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting coronavirus cases.

At the same time, the WHO is reportedly encouraging people to use as many digital payment options as possible. Viruses can survive on hard surfaces like coins for days in some cases. U.S dollars, a blend of fabric and paper, are harder for viruses to stick to.","If you have symptoms and want to get tested, the CDC recommends calling your state or local health department or a medical provider.

Not sure if you should get tested? The CDC website features a ""self-checker"" to help you make decisions about seeking medical care. The feature is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 and is intended only for people in the U.S."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,What is being given to treat the coronavirus once you’ve become infected?,"There is no vaccine for the new virus and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19, so treatment consists of supportive care to help relieve symptoms and, for severe cases, care to support vital organ functions, the CDC says.

About 80% of people recover from the disease without needing special treatment, according to the WHO. For most patients, that means drinking plenty of fluids and resting, just as you would for the cold or flu.","The White House is asking Americans to stay home as much as possible to slowthe spread of the virus, and some states and local governments have [issued""stay home"" and ""shelter-in-place""orders](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/21/coronavirus-lockdown-orders-shelter-place-stay-home-state-list/2891193001/).""I don’t think now’s the time to do it,"" Elliott said. ""If you have a housesomewhere else, that's fine. But I wouldn’t recommend being in hotels orcrowded public settings. If you want take a road trip and go camping, there'srisk associated with that."""
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,How many children have been diagnosed with the virus? How many of them have died?,"Among the more than 4,000 cases in the U.S. as of March 16, only 5% were people aged 0–19 years, according to the CDC. Just 2%–3% of cases in that age group had to be hospitalized, and none were in the ICU.

This week, however, health officials reported that a 17-year-old teen in New Orleans died after contracting the virus. And a 2-month-old in Nashville who tested positive for the virus could be the youngest patient in the nation, officials say. In China, at least one two-day-old infant had been infected, according to a WHO study.","If you have symptoms and want to get tested, the CDC recommends calling your state or local health department or a medical provider.

Not sure if you should get tested? The CDC website features a ""self-checker"" to help you make decisions about seeking medical care. The feature is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 and is intended only for people in the U.S."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,"What are dangers to pregnant women?
","It's unclear how the coronavirus may affect pregnant women. In general, pregnant women may experience changes to their body that could make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, according to the CDC.

In the case of SARS and MERS, pregnant women were more at risk for severe illness, and some experienced miscarriage and stillbirth, according to the CDC.

There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to her fetus, and, in a limited number of recent cases of infants born to mothers with COVID-19, none of the infants have tested positive for the virus, the CDC said.","There is no vaccine for the new virus and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19, so treatment consists of supportive care to help relieve symptoms and, for severe cases, care to support vital organ functions, the CDC says.

About 80% of people recover from the disease without needing special treatment, according to the WHO. For most patients, that means drinking plenty of fluids and resting, just as you would for the cold or flu."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Is the presence of a fever always the first symptom of a coronavirus infection? Is there any value in taking your temperature every day?,"Symptoms of COVID-19 resemble the flu and include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. Some people also develop aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.

While fever is one of the most common symptoms, it's not productive to take your temperature every day, Poland said.

""That's like taking your blood pressure four times a day for no particular good reason. I’d probably not do that unless there's a reason to do it. For example, if you felt feverish, or if you traveled to a high-risk area, or if you had contact with somebody (infected),"" he said.","No, for several reasons, says Peter Hotez, dean of the National School ofTropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.While a protective antibody is generated in those who are infected,[scientists are not yetsure](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/) whether thatimmunity will last for a short period of time, for years or for life. Some saythe possibility of reinfection is very likely.Moreover, a [new federal health reportsays](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/coronavirus-illnesses-can-serious-young-adults-cdc-report/2874271001/) Americans of allages have faced serious health complications amid the outbreak. Data from theCDC show that among the roughly 12% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. known toneed hospitalizations, about 1 in 5 were among people ages 20 to 44. Anywherefrom 14% to 21% of adults ages 20 to 44 with COVID-19 have been hospitalized,the CDC data estimates. Two to 4% of cases led to ICU admissions, and lessthan 1% were fatal.Finally, it's important to avoid getting and spreading the virus. While theyoung may not be the most at risk, they're carrying the disease to those whoare more vulnerable, such as older people and those with underlyingconditions. Dr. Deborah Birx, a member of the White House coronavirus taskforce, on Wednesday urged ""the millennial generation"" to take specialprecautions. ""You have the potential to spread it,"" she said."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,How can I know if I have the coronavirus and should go for a test?,"If you have symptoms and want to get tested, the CDC recommends calling your state or local health department or a medical provider.

Not sure if you should get tested? The CDC website features a ""self-checker"" to help you make decisions about seeking medical care. The feature is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 and is intended only for people in the U.S.","No. While shortness of breath is among the most common symptoms of the virus,according to the CDC, that diagnosis does not necessarily involve holding alarge breath for 10 seconds. Medically known as dyspnea, shortness of breathis often described as ""an intense tightening in the chest, air hunger,difficulty breathing, breathlessness or a feeling of suffocation,"" accordingto the Mayo Clinic.If you think you may be sick, call your doctor and [follow CDCguidance](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html)."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,Does testing positive mean that I have the virus and that I will develop symptoms?,"Yes, testing positive means that you have the virus, but it does not mean that you will develop symptoms. Some people who have the virus don't have any symptoms at all.

At the same time, testing negative does not necessarily mean that you don't have the virus.","You should take precaution with any containers, Elliott says. ""The plasticgrocery bags I’d throw out right away, wash your hands and then clean yourfood. Chances (of infection) are low,"" she said. ""But better yet, bring yourown bags! It’s better for the environment anyway."""
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,"There has been a Hong Kong flu, a Swine flu, H1N1, SARS, MERS, Ebola, Zika and other global health threats since the 1960s. How is the coronavirus different?","The current outbreak is the world's first pandemic caused by a coronavirus, a family of virsuses that includes the COVID-19 virus, according to the head of the WHO.

While more people in the U.S. were infected by and died after contracting the flu in 1968 and 2009, the new coronavirus has infected and killed more people in the U.S. than did SARS, MERS, Ebola or Zika.

By comparison, the 1968 ""Hong Kong flu"" pandemic was caused by an influenza A virus and killed an estimated 1 million people worldwide, with about 100,000 deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC. The 2009 ""swine flu"" pandemic was caused by an H1N1 subtype of the influenza A virus and killed at least 151,000 people worldwide during the first year the virus circulated, with more than 12,000 deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC. ","Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilusinfluenzae type B vaccine, do not provide protection against the newcoronavirus, [according to the World HealthOrganization](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters). The vaccines simply guardagainst those specific bacterial infections.The COVID-19 virus can, in fact, cause pneumonia, but the vaccines cannotprevent this pneumonia."
USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/12/coronavirus-reader-questions-answered-symptoms-testing-elderly/5012457002/,How old was the youngest person to die from the virus?,"A study of more than 72,000 cases in mainland China found that at least one person between ten and 19 years of age had died, but no one younger than ten had died. A subsequent study in the journal Pediatrics found that a 14-year-old boy from China died in February after contracting the coronavirus.

It was not immediately clear if anyone younger had died elsewhere in the world.

By comparison, at least 155 children in the U.S. have died after contracting the flu so far this flu season, according to the CDC.","If you have symptoms and want to get tested, the CDC recommends calling your state or local health department or a medical provider.

Not sure if you should get tested? The CDC website features a ""self-checker"" to help you make decisions about seeking medical care. The feature is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 and is intended only for people in the U.S."