Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
 
By Assistant Chief Michael Caron
March 27, 2020
 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus.

The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding close contact (2 meters or 6 feet) with people who are unwell.

How it spreads
Coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus to others if you:

Do -
Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze
Avoid close contact (2 meters or 6 feet) with people who are unwell
Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell

Don't -
Touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean

 
Hyperlinks: Suffolk County Health Services COVID-19
NYS COVID-19 Website
CDC COVID-19 Information