What is coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

These viruses were originally transmitted between animals and people. SARS, for instance, was believed to have been transmitted from civet cats to humans while MERS travelled from a type of camel to humans.

Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

The name coronavirus comes from the Latin word corona, meaning crown or halo. Under an electron microscope, the image of the virus is reminiscent of a solar corona.

A novel coronavirus, identified by Chinese authorities on January 7 and currently named 2019-nCoV, is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans.

Little is known about it, although human-to-human transmission has been confirmed.

What are the symptoms?

According to the WHO, signs of infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

The incubation period of the coronavirus remains unknown. Some sources say it could be between 10 to 14 days.

Taking precautions

If you’ve been travelling, monitor your health closely and seek medical attention promptly if you feel unwell. You should inform your doctor of your travel history.

If you have a fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath), you should wear a mask and call the clinic ahead of the visit.

Wearing of masks

Here are 5 essential steps to wearing a mask the right way.

Rest assured that there are sufficient masks for everyone. Shops are restocking regularly to ensure masks are available.

Travellers and members of the public should adopt the following precautions at all times: