In March 2020, a virus outbreak of the Coronavirus changed the world and the way we live.  Coronavirus is a group of RNA viruses that causes a variety of diseases caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) that was said to have originated in Wuhan Hubei, China in December 2019.   The symptoms are flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, breathing difficulty, fatigue and myalgia that is said to last for 1-14 days and can be spread from human-to-human by transmission of respiratory droplets.  The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic spread like wildfire throughout Europe, China and other parts of the United States.  There is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease, but they are working on it and tested a drug used to combat Malaria and MERS to see if it is effective in combatting this deadly disease.  What a difference a day makes, because just a few weeks ago, we were living life as usual.  Now, the entire world is imprisoned by this deadly virus, while people are getting sick and are in quarantine.  Businesses are forced to shut down, and the world is almost immobilized, with the exception of supermarkets and other essential stores that sell products that people need to survive.  Many people thought that this pandemic was a hoax, until after people started dying and several celebrities came forth saying that they tested positive for the virus.  The people of the world were in a panic and scattered to go to the supermarket to buy hand sanitizer, Lysol, bleach, gloves, facial masks, toilet paper, as well as food and water.  It is unfortunate that many have become sick and even lost their life to this pandemic.  The economy has certainly suffered with businesses having to shut down and employees are left without jobs, while others have the ability to work from home.
 

Many concerts were cancelled, so artists have to be creative in the way in which they are able to generate revenue to maintain their lifestyles.  Restaurants that do not have delivery, pick-up or drive through service have to shut down, because people cannot dine in.  When the virus started spreading, it was first recommended to not have crowds of 50 people or more, which has since been reduced to 10 people or more. 

The COVID-19 virus is spread from person-to-person contact by an infected person, if he or she sneezes or coughs.  So, it is recommended that we stay at least 6 feet away from each other. Major cities are on lock down, so the virtual world became how we communicate with each other.  
 

To protect yourself from the Coronavirus, wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.  Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and avoid close contact with people.  If you are sick, stay home and cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, also wear a facial mask.  Clean and disinfect any area that you touch and wash your hands often.  Consult with your doctor, by phone if you feel that you have COVID-19 and want to be tested.  COVID-19 can affect people of any race, age and gender.  Practice good hygiene.

Philadelphia residents can call 311 to find out what to do if you or someone you know has been affected by the Coronavirus or call the Philadelphia Helpline at 1-800-722-7112.
 

For more information, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/  or the World Health Organization (WHO) https://www.who.int/
 

To Donate to the COVID-19 Response Fund visit: https://www.who.int/Covid19ResponseFund
 

Here is a link to helpful tips on dealing with stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-stress.pdf?sfvrsn=9845bc3a_8

Below is a link to videos on how to protect yourself from the COVID-19 virus: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/videos