Frequently Questions
The frequently asked questions (FAQs) on this page are for a general public or consumer audience. Other audiences may want to refer to additional FAQs
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
One can get the infection by being in close contact with COVID-19 patients (within one Metre of the infected person), especially if they do not cover their face when coughing or sneezing.
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that originated in China.
Tests for COVID-19 include the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic test, which is a nasal swab. There’s also the antibody test, a blood test that can tell whether you had an infection in the past.
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
People who are infected but do not have symptoms can also spread the virus to others.Respiratory droplets cause infection when they are inhaled or deposited on mucous membranes, such as those that line the inside of the nose and mouth.
Clean your hands before you put your mask on, as well as before and after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time.When you take off a mask, store it in a clean plastic bag, and every day either wash it if it’s a fabric mask, or dispose of a medical mask in a trash bin.
Outbreaks of COVID-19 in community settings continue to pop up throughout the region, prompting County health officials to remind San Diegans to take precautions to slow the spread of the virus.County health officials continue to urge San Diegans to follow the public health guidance to protect themselves and others.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the capacity of health systems to continue the delivery of essential health services. While health systems around the world are being challenged by increasing demand for care of COVID-19 patients, it is critical to maintain preventive and curative services, especially for the most vulnerable populations, such as children, older persons, people living with chronic conditions, minorities and people living with disabilities.
How to ensure safe faith-based gatherings, strengthening mental and spiritual health. Address stigma, violence & misinformation, Promote interfaith collaboration. Learn more. Recommendation from WHO. Your questions answered. Learn about Coronavirus.
The CDC is normally a credible, reliable source of infectious disease knowledge, led by physicians, scientists and epidemiologists capable of fielding detailed questions about what is scientifically known and what is not.
You are likely trying to figure out many concerns in your life including childcare, entertainment, finances and work-related needs. Allow yourself time to process with a helpful family member, friend or co-worker to figure out what steps you need to take. Children will notice if we are stressed and upset, so it can help to work through our own emotions when they are not present.