The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in humans and can be transmitted from person to person. This virus was first identified during the investigation of an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

As of February 17, 2020, 71,710 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, including 1,775 fatalities.

No laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Ukraine.

According to WHO and ECDC, the risks of spreading 2019-nCoV remain very high in China, high at the regional and global levels.

It is currently known that the new coronavirus is transmitted by droplet and contact routes.

The contact route prevails, when the virus enters the mucous membranes of the nose, and eyes through the hands or other objects (handkerchief, gloves) after touching objects (animals, meat, fish, doorknobs, handrails) that are contaminated (contaminated) with secretions from the respiratory tract of a sick or infected person.

The virus is transmitted by droplets from person to person during coughing or sneezing in close contact when droplets with a diameter of more than 5 microns are formed. Coronaviruses are not able to remain infectious during long-distance transmission. Therefore, close contact is considered to be a distance of less than 1 m, although some scientists allow the possibility of transmission (under certain conditions) up to 2 m.

SYMPTOMS
A person infected with 2019-nCoV develops respiratory disease of varying severity with the following main symptoms

fever; cough; dyspnea (difficulty breathing).

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after infection with the new coronavirus. In many patients, 2019-nCoV causes inflammation of both lungs.

Is there a vaccine?

There is currently no vaccine to protect against 2019-nCoV. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to the virus.

How to protect yourself from infection:

- avoid close contact with those who have a fever or cough;

- do not touch your face with unwashed hands;

- wash your hands often with soap and water or treat them with disinfectants;

- cook food thoroughly, particularly meat and eggs;

- avoid unprotected contact with wild and domestic animals.

How to prevent the spread of infection:

- if you feel symptoms of respiratory illness, limit contact with other people and use a protective face mask (it should be replaced/disinfected regularly).

- if you have visited China and within 2 weeks after that, you have symptoms of respiratory illness, seek medical attention immediately.

- when coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or a disposable tissue, then discard the tissue and wash your hands.

- disinfect surfaces touched by an infected person.