According to Wikipedia the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).^[10] T

 

he disease was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province, and has since spread globally, resulting in the ongoing 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic.^[11][12] 

Common symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.^[13] Other symptoms may include fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, sore throat, loss of smell and abdominal pain.^[7][14][15] 

 

While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some progress to viral pneumonia and multi-organ failure.^[11][16] 

 

As of 8 April 2020, more than 1.44 million^[9] cases have been reported in more than 200 countries and territories,^[17] resulting in more than 83,400 deaths.^[9] More than 308,000 people have recovered.^[9]

The virus is mainly spread during close contact^[a] and by small droplets produced when those infected cough, sneeze or talk.^[8][18][19] These droplets may also be produced during breathing; however, they rapidly fall to the ground or surfaces and are not generally spread through the air over large distances.^[8][20][21] 

People may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their face.^[8][18] The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 72 hours.^[22] It is most contagious during the first three days after onset of symptoms, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear and in later stages of the disease.^[23] The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically around five days, but may range from two to 14 days.^[13][24] 

The standard method of diagnosis is by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) from a nasopharyngeal swab.^[25] The infection can also be diagnosed from a combination of symptoms, risk factors and a chest CT scan showing features of pneumonia.^[26][27]

Recommended measures to prevent infection include frequent hand washing, social distancing (maintaining physical distance from others, especially from those with symptoms), covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inner elbow and keeping unwashed hands away from the face.^[28][29] The use of masks is recommended for those who suspect they have the virus and their caregivers.^[30] Recommendations for mask use by the general public vary, with some authorities recommending against their use, some recommending their use and others requiring their use.^[31][32][33] 

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19.^[8] Management involves treatment of symptoms, supportive care, isolation and experimental measures.^[34]

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)^[35][36] on 30 January 2020 and a pandemic on 11 March 2020.^[12] Local transmission of the disease has been recorded in many countries across all six WHO regions.^[37]

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