Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2).1 The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.46 The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January, and a pandemic on 11 March.78 As of 24 May 2020, more than 5.37 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in more than 188 countries and territories, resulting in more than 343,000 deaths. More than 2.14 million people have recovered from the virus.5 The virus is primarily spread between people during close contact,c most often via small droplets produced by coughing,d sneezing, and talking.91012 The droplets usually fall to the ground or onto surfaces rather than travelling through air over long distances.9 Less commonly, people may become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their face.910 It is most contagious during the first three days after the onset of symptoms, although spread is possible before symptoms appear, and from people who do not show symptoms.910