The new coronavirus (Covid-19) is spreading fast. More than 218,000 people are known to be infected and over 8,800 deaths have been recorded - including 104 people in the UK who were diagnosed with the virus.
While the outbreak started in China, the bulk of cases and fatalities are now outside the country and the virus is spreading internationally.
What is coronavirus?:-
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals. Seven, including the new virus, have made the jump to humans, but most just cause cold-like symptoms.
The new virus, officially called Covid-19, is also dangerous - so far, around 20 per cent of confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical. So far, around 15 to 20 per cent of hospital cases have been classed as "severe" and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and, crucially, access to good hospital care.
How did the outbreak start?
The source of the coronavirus is believed to be a "wet market" in Wuhan which sold both dead and live animals including fish and birds.
Such markets pose a heightened risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans because hygiene standards are difficult to maintain if live animals are being kept and butchered on site.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the main symptoms of the coronavirus usually include:
- *A dry cough
- *A temperature
- *Tiredness/lethargy
- *Shortness of breath (in more severe cases)
Some patients may have "aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea", the WHO adds. "These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell".
The best way to prevent from coronavirus:-
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Take steps to protect others:-
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Should I cancel my travel plans?
The Foreign Office advised British nationals to avoid all non-essential foreign travel for at least 30 days.
In any case, several countries have established travel bans, preventing Britons and foreign nationals from entering. Donald Trump announced a ban on visitors to the US from Europe and the UK, while many other countries will not allow entry to British citizens.
How is coronavirus spread?
Like cold and flu bugs, the virus is spread via droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. The droplets land on surfaces and are picked up on the hands of others and spread further. People catch the virus when they touch their infected hands to their mouth, nose or eyes.
It follows that the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself is keep your hands clean by washing them frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitising gel.
How many people have died from the disease so far?
More than 218,000 cases have been confirmed since the outbreak started, and the death toll has exceeded 8,800. The majority of cases are now outside China, and the virus has spread to more than 100 other countries.
| Country | Cases | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| China | 81,139 | 3,249 |
| Italy | 35,713 | 2,978 |
| Iran | 17,361 | 1,135 |
| Spain | 14,769 | 638 |
| Germany | 12,327 | 28 |
| USA | 9,415 | 150 |
| France | 9,054 | 175 |
| South Korea | 8,413 | 84 |
| UK | 2,626 | 104 |
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