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CDC.gov Shares the Facts about Coronavirus

Date: 02/27/20

Please note: This article was updated on July 21, 2022.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of February 29, COVID-19 has been detected in 60 locations internationally, including cases in the United States. Person-to-person spread of COVID-19 has been seen among close contacts of returned travelers from Wuhan, but at this time, this virus is not spreading widely in the United States. It is important for all members of the community, especially health-care providers, to understand the facts about COVID-19.

Information for Your Staff and Patients

In order to address common misconceptions about COVID-19, CDC recently shared the following facts on this webpage. Please review this information and share with your staff and patients, to help educate them on the latest facts regarding this virus.

1. Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.

For up-to-date information, visit CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 Situation Summary webpage.

2. The risk of getting COVID-19 in the U.S. is low.

Some people who have traveled to places where many people have gotten sick with COVID-19 may be monitored by health officials, to protect their health and the health of other people in the community.

3. Diseases can make anyone sick, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American. Help stop fear by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.

4. You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Seek medical advice if you have traveled to China in the past 14 days and feel sick. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room to inform the care team about your recent travel and your symptoms.

5. There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Additional Important Resources

For more information, please review and share the additional resources regarding COVID-19: