COVID-19Common questionWhen was COVID-19 first reported?On this website you can find information and guidance from WHO regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that was first reported from Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019.
How long have coronaviruses existed?
COVID-19Common questionHow long have coronaviruses existed?The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all coronaviruses is estimated to have existed as recently as 8000 BCE, although some models place the common ancestor as far back as 55 million years or more, implying long term coevolution with bat and avian species.
What causes COVID-19?
COVID-19Common questionWhat causes COVID-19?COVID-19 is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus strain.
Who issued the official name of COVID-19?
COVID-19Common questionWho issued the official name of COVID-19?The official names COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 were issued by the WHO on 11 February 2020.
Where was COVID-19 first discovered?
COVID-19Common questionWhere was COVID-19 first discovered?The first known infections from SARS-CoV-2 were discovered in Wuhan, China. The original source of viral transmission to humans remains unclear, as does whether the virus became pathogenic before or after the spillover event.
What is the origin of COVID-19?
COVID-19Common questionWhat is the origin of COVID-19?Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. It was first isolated from three people with pneumonia connected to the cluster of acute respiratory illness cases in Wuhan. All structural features of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus particle occur in related coronaviruses in nature.
When did the coronavirus disease receive its name?
COVID-19Common questionWhen did the coronavirus disease receive its name?The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) announced “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)” as the name of the new virus on 11 February 2020. This name was chosen because the virus is genetically related to the coronavirus responsible for the SARS outbreak of 2003. While related, the two viruses are different.
Is COVID-19 caused by a virus or a bacteria?
COVID-19Common questionIs COVID-19 caused by a virus or a bacteria?The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus, NOT by bacteria.
Can COVID-19 be transmitted through food?
COVID-19Common questionCan COVID-19 be transmitted through food?There is currently no evidence that people can catch COVID-19 from food. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be killed at temperatures similar to that of other known viruses and bacteria found in food.14 Aug 2020
How long does the virus that causes COVID-19 last on surfaces?
COVID-19Common questionHow long does the virus that causes COVID-19 last on surfaces?Recent research evaluated the survival of the COVID-19 virus on different surfaces and reported that the virus can remain viable for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, up to four hours on copper, and up to 24 hours on cardboard.7 Apr 2020
What can I do to prevent COVID-19 during grocery shopping?
COVID-19Common questionWhat can I do to prevent COVID-19 during grocery shopping?• Clean your hands with sanitizer before entering the store.• Cover a cough or sneeze in your bent elbow or tissue.• Maintain at least a 1-metre distance from others, and if you can’t maintain this distance, wear a mask (many stores now require a mask).• Once home, wash your hands thoroughly and also after handling and storing your purchased products.14 Aug 2020
Can the coronavirus survive on surfaces?
COVID-19Common questionCan the coronavirus survive on surfaces?It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems likely to behave like other coronaviruses. A recent review of the survival of human coronaviruses on surfaces found large variability, ranging from 2 hours to 9 days (11).The survival time depends on a number of factors, including the type of surface, temperature, relative humidity and specific strain of the virus.3 Mar 2020