The 2020–21 coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in December 2019, and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020. As of 22 March, more than 306,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in over 218 countries and territories, resulting in more than 1.56 million deaths and 47,694,650 recoveries.
Efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19 through non-pharmaceutical interventions and preventive measures such as social-distancing and self-isolation prompted the widespread closure of primary and secondary schools as well as post-secondary schools including colleges and universities in at least 61 countries.
COVID-19 vaccines were developed in 2020 and now have been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and vaccination programs are in operation across the U.S. and in many parts of the world.
Most people infected with the virus today will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least 1 metre apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.
The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell.
For more information regarding COVID – 19 please review the information on the following websites.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
For continuous updates from nj.gov
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml