About Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The virus that causes COVID-19 known as the coronovirus is infecting people and spreading easily from person-to-person. Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide and community spread is being detected in a growing number of countries. On March 11, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) . This particular strain is called COVID-19 and can be spread from person to person via respiratory droplets, similar to how the flu is spread. It can also be spread by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions — like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example — seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.

CDC is updating its website daily with the latest information and advice for the public.