The Coronavirus Pandemic
This page is designed to keep you informed about the coronavirus pandemic and how to keep safe in these changing and uncertain times. Below are resources pertaining to the United States and Michigan that will help you navigate and understand the pandemic.
What is the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many types of coronavirus, and some can even cause disease. SARS-CoV-2 is a newly identified coronavirus that has caused the coronavirus pandemic that we are living in today. COVID-19 is the disease caused by this new coronavirus, and first emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and congestion. The prevalence and severity of symptoms can vary between people, though nonetheless COVID-19 can be severe and has even been fatal.
The virus is primarily spread through nose and mouth secretions, including small droplets from coughing/sneezing/talking. Though these droplets do not travel in the air over long distances, those standing in close proximity to an infected individual may inhale these airborne droplets and become infected. Transmission may also occur through touching contaminated surfaces and suspended droplets in enclosed spaces. The virus is most contagious during the first three days after symptom onset, though is able to be spread before symptoms appear and from those who are asymptomatic. Essentially, the time from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically around five days, though may range from 2-14 days.
Preventative measures include hand washing, maintaining distance from others, wearing a facemask in public settings, disinfecting surfaces, and increasing ventilation indoors. Governments have responded to the highly contagious and transmissible pandemic through implementing travel restrictions and lockdowns.
As of now, there are several vaccine candidates undergoing development and trial. However, none have completed clinical trials proving their safety and efficacy against the virus.
Coronavirus Graphics for Download
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/infographic-covid-19
https://catalyst.phrma.org/new-infographic-how-we-are-fighting-covid-19
COVID-19 Graphics and Buttons for Download from the CDC
Global Links
National
- COVID-19 Cases in the US
- Coronavirus in the US
- Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center
- Coronavirus Information by US Government