Coronavirus spreads across nation

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been working tirelessly to find sources, symptoms, and solutions to the Coronavirus, COVID-19, that has infected over 100 locations across the globe.

Starting from suspected animal-to-person contact and then forming into person-to-person contact, the disease that began in China has caused nationwide shutdowns in multiple countries and left nearly 8,000 dead according to a Worldometers live COVID-19 update.

Because symptoms can be hidden for up to two weeks after coming in contact with an infected individual, many are spreading the disease, prior to presenting symptoms.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In emergent cases, symptoms may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, and blue colored lips or face. Those with emergent symptoms should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Anyone with non-emergent symptoms should self-quarantine to stop the spreading of the disease. The CDC recommends to stay home, leaving only to seek medical care. If only one person within the home is affected, it is advised that they begin a home-quarantine where they stay away from others within the home.

Aside from quarantines, those with symptoms of the COVID-19 should call before visiting a doctor for verification to go in, wear a face mask to stop the spread, cover all coughs and sneezes, wash hands often, avoid sharing personal items, clean “high touch areas” of the home, and monitor symptoms diligently according to the CDC.

Schools across the nation have been shut down due to COVID-19 concerns. Businesses followed.

News sources are pushing out information to keep citizens informed on where cases are located and how to stay safe.

Citizens can find more information about the causes, severity, and plan for COVID-19 on the CDC website, as well as the websites of local health organizations.