Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-COV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

A novel coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic meaning they are transmitted between animals and people

Most coronaviruses spread the same way as common cold through:

• Infected people coughing and sneexing
• Touching an infected person's hands or face
• Touching things such as dorknobs that infected people have touched
• Rarely, faecal contamination

No vaccine or specific treatment available for 2019 novel coronavirus.  However, many of the symptoms can be treated based on the patient's clinical condition.

NB:  Please report to the nearest Health facility, should you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

• Regular hand washing with soap and running water or alcohol-based hand rub
• Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with dispoable tissue or flexed elbow
• Thoroughly cook meat, poulty, seafood and eggs
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing
• Avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces that are in contact with animals
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
   

Most coronaviruses spread the same way as common cold through:

• Infected people coughing and sneexing
• Touching an infected person's hands or face
• Touching things such as dorknobs that infected people have touched
• Rarely, faecal contamination