The evolving outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is requiring social distancing and other measures to protect public health.
Transmission
COVID-19 spreads mainly through the respiratory route after an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes.
Early Symptoms
Early symptoms of COVID-19 may include a loss of taste or smell, headache, chills, core throat, runny nose, muscle aches
Incubation Period
Symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may appear two to 14 days after exposure.
Higher Risk
People with existing chronic medical conditions have a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, also the risk increases with age.
PUBLIC AWARENESS
Coronavirus disease advice for the public
If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!
Latest update 10 November 2020 - WHO is continuously monitoring and responding to this pandemic. This Q&A will be updated as more is known about COVID-19, how it spreads and how it is affecting people worldwide.