What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus. It was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China.

How does coronavirus (COVID-19) spread?

Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.

Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.

It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.

DO:

wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

always wash your hands when you get home or into work

use alcohol based hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

be prepared to self isolate

plan ahead

use health services wisely

stay up-to-date using information from IOM Government

touch your eyes, nose or mouth

There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus
Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses
Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness
You'll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered