Social distancing is an effective way, according to both the CDC and WHO, to help limit exposure and the spread of the virus.

As the CDC states: COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.

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 eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as sunlight and humidity. Social distancing helps limit contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces.

Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting

COVID-19 did not impact the US in December. You likely had a common flu strain. COVID-19 is an incredibly fast-spreading disease that could have the potential to infect millions of our citizens.

As Yale Medicine states: 

In early March, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic—a disease outbreak occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population. According to the WHO, there are almost 1.4 million confirmed cases of people with COVID-19 and almost 80,000 people have died from the disease—a death toll that has far surpassed that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic that occurred in 2002 and 2003. (While some news sources report different numbers, the WHO provides official counts of confirmed cases once a day.)

In the U.S., the numbers are multiplying, as different parts of the country experience different levels of COVID-19 activity. All 50 states have reported community spread (meaning the source of infection is unknown), and there have been large clusters in certain areas of the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently provides a rough picture of the outbreak in the U.S. here, currently putting the total confirmed and presumptive cases at almost 400,000, with almost 13,000 deaths (as of 4/8/2020).

Stay connected with the CDC and WHO for the most up to date information. 

You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. See Protection & Prevention for more details on how to protect yourself.

Most of the people who become ill with COVID-19 can and do recover. If you catch the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms. If you have a cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. There is no evidence yet COVID-19 stays in a person's body after symptoms abate. 

You cannot confirm if you have COVID-19 with this breathing exercise, which can even be dangerous.  If you suspect you have COVID-19, contact your medical provider. 

There is no evidence drinking alcohol protects against COVID-19. Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of health problems. 

From the evidence so far, COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.  Additionally, practicing social distancing will limit your exposure. 

There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill COVID-19  The normal human body temperature remains around 98F, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with soap and water and practicing social distancing. 

Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 98.5F, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

To date, there has been no information or evidence to suggest that COVID-19 could be transmitted by mosquitoes. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash them with soap and water and practicing social distancing. 

No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing COVID-19. To protect yourself, you should frequently clean your hands with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.  Additionally, practicing social distancing will help limit your exposure. 

No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.

No. Vaccines against pneumonia do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.  Neither do the common flu vaccines. 

The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine to protect against COVID-19.

No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from COVID-19.

Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from COVID-19.

People of all ages can be infected by COVID-19. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. 

It is encouraged people of all ages take steps to protect themselves from the virus by following good hand hygiene and practicing social distancing. 

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.

COVID-19 is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

However, if you are hospitalized for the COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat COVID-19.

However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms. If symptoms occur, contact your medical provider as soon as possible. 

No. Anyone can become ill with COVID-19 regardless of race, age, or geographical location.