FAQs last updated 3pm 1 February 2020
What is a novel coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
However novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.
What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus?
It depends on the virus, but common signs include fever, respiratory-illness symptoms such as a cough, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.
What can I do to protect myself?
To protect yourself and others from infection practice good hand and respiratory hygiene including:
- Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing
- Avoiding contact with anyone who has respiratory symptoms.