Hand sanitizer, hand soap and disinfectant sprays fly off the shelves as more cases of coronavirus are reported.

The World Health Organization’s chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared the coronavirus a pandemic because of the “alarming levels of inaction” over the virus.

What is a Pandemic?

A pandemic defines an infectious disease where ongoing infection spreads person-to-person around the world in multiple countries. The last pandemic, the swine flu of 2009, has a similar track story.

What precautions have been taken?

President Trump banned most visitors from Europe to the United States and vowed aid to workers and small businesses who will be affected by the virus.

The N.C.A.A barred crowds from its annual basketball tournament and the N.B.A. suspended its season altogether upon the news of one its players testing positive for Coronavirus. Actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, have also been infected.

Public officials have cancelled many large events nationwide like Ultra Music Festival. Various universities, including those in New York and Florida, shifted to online classes. Companies like Facebook and Microsoft also cancelled their events in hopes of preventing the spread of the COVID-19.

What the numbers look like?

So far, there have been 129,843 coronavirus cases reported with 4% fatalities. More than half of the people infected have recovered.

The most vulnerable population appears to be the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

How does the Coronavirus Spread?

According to the World Health Organization officials, the COVID-19 is mainly spread through person-to-person contact, usually within a 6-foot radius of an infected person, and is transmitted through cough or sneeze droplets.

Other ways the virus can spread, though not as likely, include being around an infected person who does not show symptoms and touching infected surfaces and objects and the touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

The COVID-19 virus resembles a common virus battled each year: the flu. Americans are still more likely to catch the flu than the new coronavirus, even with 110 countries and territories around the world with reported cases.

Check out the following chart comparing symptoms:

COVID-19, Flu, Allergies

· Fever

· Cough

· Shortness of Breath,

Difficulty Breathing

· Symptoms appear 2-

14 days after exposure

· Fever · Cough · Muscle Aches · Fatigue & weakness · Chills & sweats · Sore throat · Sneezing · Itchy, nose, eyes or roof of the mouth · Runny, stuffy nose · Watery, red or swollen eyes

Officials continue to investigate the virus in hopes of a vaccine; but, the most important way to contain the virus and avoid infection is following the next few steps.

· Avoid contact with people who are sick.

This is the most efficient way to prevent illness. The virus is mainly transmitted person-to-person through cough or sneeze droplets.

· Try not touch your face.

Not touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth may help prevent infection. Being more aware about touching your face will help kick the habit. Keep your hands occupied and set a reminder on your phone periodically to remind you to keep your hands away from your face.

· Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Rubbing your hands together with soap and water for 20 seconds throughout the day helps prevent the spread of the virus. Washing your hands seems self-explanatory after using the bathroom or eating, but it can also be helpful after going out in public.

· Use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands.

Keep hang sanitizer handy. Make sure the hand sanitizer you’re using is at least 60 percent alcohol.

· Clean and disinfect surfaces and items frequently used.

These include countertops, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, tablets and bedside tables.

Will testing free testing be available?

According to the IRS, high-deductible health insurance plans may cover the cost of testing and treatment without having to meet the deductible cost. This allows those insured to get testing promptly without worrying about high cost medical care. Several insurance companies are helping lower the cost of preventing, testing and treating COVID-19 by waving copayments and requirements for testing.

Contact your insurance provider to verify if your plan will cover these costs. If you’re uninsured, you can get still talk to an agent and find a plan.

Sources: 

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/03/06/heres-why-you-shouldnt-panic-over-the-coronavirus/