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Coronavirus Information

  • Coronaviruses (CoV) are a broad family of viruses named after the crown-like spikes on their surface.

  • They typically cause mild to moderate respiratory tract disease in humans, but can also cause more severe infections such as pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections.

  • Mild illness cause by CoV includes the common cold and influenza-like illness. Severe illness caused by CoV includes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) CoV, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV, and some pneumonias.

  • There are some coronaviruses that can be transmitted from animals to people. Both the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are believed to have originated in animals and were transmitted to people, causing infection. 

  • The current coronavirus outbreak is one that originated from Wuhan province in China. Most of those infected with the Wuhan Coronavirus develop a sudden fever with other flu-like symptoms. Many develop pneumonia, which is inflammation of the lung often involving a fluid buildup in the lung. 

  • Coronaviruses can live on environmental surfaces from a few hours to a few days, so surfaces in contact with the animals may carrying the virus and cause human infection.

What should you do?

  • Monitor advice and news from public health bodies and government sources.

  • Observe good infection prevention practices and ensure cleaning and disinfection protocols are in place.

  • Implement disinfection protocols for vehicles and locations where animals are housed or transported.

  • Reduce contact with animals or humans that may have a risk of being infected.

  • Wear protective equipment in environments where risk of infection is confirmed.

  • Perform hand hygiene regularly, especially after sneezing/ coughing.

  • Perform cleaning and surface disinfection regularly, using protective equipment and following protocols strictly.

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