Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain of Coronavirus (CoV) that was discovered in 2019. On 11 March 2020, COVID-19 was characterized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. 

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and social distancing. Avoid mass gatherings and close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.