What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a type of virus that were first identified in the 1960s. Coronavirus our nation is combatting now is a new or novel coronavirus, officially called COVID-19. While its origins have been traced to a live animal market in China, the virus is now spreading from human to human globally.

What can I do to help prevent the spread of illness?
While global and national media, governments and health care providers have joined forces to promote prevention extensively in recent months, these precautions do bear repeating:

• As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, ensure that you and your children get the influenza vaccination
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Take flu antivirals if prescribed by your health care provider if you have the flu.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Where can I get the most up-to-date information about COVID-19?
There are many excellent resources available that address the coronavirus. However, several excellent ones are: the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the Virginia Department of Health.

What if I have additional concerns?
Medical questions should be directed to your health care provider. In addition, the Virginia Department of Health has a hotline you may call: 877-275-8343 (877-ASK-VDH3).