COVID-2019 is a respiratory infection caused by a novel (new) virus that arose from the area of Wuhan, China in December, 2019. Most of the early cases of this illness were linked to a large seafood and animal market suggesting possible animal-to-person spread of the virus. NJ Department of Health is providing information on this page COVID-19: Information for Communities and the General Public and has a FREE 24 Hour Hotline 1-800-222-1222 manned by trained healthcare professionals to answer questions about coronavirus. They also have information for Schools and Businesses and Healthcare/Public Health Professionals. The CDC updates known cases of coronavirus in the Unites States daily, Monday through Friday, at 12:00 noon. The NYTimes has an interactive tracking map that is updated 24-7 for the public as reports com in from state and local government.

 

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. 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, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. On this website you can find information and guidance from WHO (World Health Organization) regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that was first reported from Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019.