The document summarizes information from the CDC about the COVID-19 outbreak: - The virus was first detected in China and has spread internationally, with the disease being named COVID-19. Both the WHO and HHS Secretary have declared public health emergencies. - The virus spreads mainly between people within 6 feet through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. - Older people and those with preexisting health conditions are at higher risk of severe illness. Schools and childcare facilities are encouraged to take preventative measures to slow the spread.

2.  CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory
disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that
was first detected in China and which has now
been detected in more than 100 locations
internationally. The virus has been named
“SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has
been named “coronavirus disease 2019”
(abbreviated “COVID-19”).
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3.  On January 30, 2020, the International Health
Regulations Emergency Committee of the
World Health Organization declared the
outbreak a “public health emergency of
International concern external icon” (PHEIC).
On January 31, 2020, Health and Human
Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a
public health emergency (PHE) for the United
States to aid the nation’s healthcare
community in responding to COVID-19.
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4. Person-to-person spread
 The virus is thought to spread mainly from
person-to-person.
 Between people who are in close contact with
one another (within about 6 feet).
 Through respiratory droplets produced when an
infected person coughs or sneezes.
 These droplets can land in the mouths or noses
of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled
into the lungs.
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5.  Reported illnesses have ranged from mild
symptoms to severe illness and death for
confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
cases.
 The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days
after exposure.*
 Fever
 Cough
 Shortness of breath
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6.  People are thought to be most contagious
when they are most symptomatic (the
sickest).
 Some spread might be possible before
people show symptoms; there have been
reports of this occurring with this new
coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the
main way the virus spreads.
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7. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-
19 by touching a surface or object that has
the virus on it and then touching their own
mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is
not thought to be the main way the virus
spreads.
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8.  How easily a virus spreads from person-to-
person can vary. Some viruses are highly
contagious (spread easily), like measles, while
other viruses do not spread as easily. Another
factor is whether the spread is sustained,
spreading continually without stopping.
 The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be
spreading easily and sustainably in the
community (“community spread”) in some
affected geographical areas.
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9.  Older people and people of all ages with
severe underlying health conditions — like
heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for
example — seem to be at higher risk of
developing serious COVID-19 illness.
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10.  CDC has information for other special
population, who at this time are not
considered high risk of developing serious
COVID-19 illness, but are at increased risk of
severe illness from other infectious diseases.
These include pregnant women and children.
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11.  CDC offers free resources including video,
fact sheets, and posters. Below are links to
current communication tools and resources
available for use and distribution.
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12.  The Public Health Image Library, or PHIL, was
designed to share CDC public health images.
CDC welcomes public health professionals,
the media, laboratory scientists, educators,
students, and the public to use this material
for reference, teaching, presentations, and
public health messages.
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13.  Information provided should help childcare
programs, schools, and their partners understand
how to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19
within childcare and school communities and
facilities. It also aims to help childcare programs,
schools, and partners to react quickly should a case
be identified. The guidance includes considerations
to help administrators plan for the continuity of
teaching and learning if there is community spread
of COVID-19.
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14.  COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a
novel (new) virus, and we are learning more
about it every day.There is currently no
vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this
point, the best way to prevent infection is to
avoid being exposed to the virus that causes
it. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus
through everyday practices is the best way to
keep people healthy.
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15.  Schools, working together with local health
departments, have an important role in
slowing the spread of diseases to help ensure
students have safe and healthy learning
environments. Schools serve students, staff,
and visitors from throughout the community.
All of these people may have close contact in
the school setting, often sharing spaces,
equipment, and supplies.
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16.  Take everyday preventive actions to stay
healthy.
 Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
 Stay home when you are sick.
 Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue,
then throw the tissue in the trash.
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17.  Clean and disinfect frequently touched
objects and surfaces using a regular
household cleaning spray or wipe.
 Wash your hands often with soap and water
for at least 20 seconds.
 Follow public health advice regarding school
closures, avoiding crowds and other social
distancing measures.
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