Coronavirus (UPDATED APRIL 23, 2020)
WUHAN, CHINA -- The deadly coronavirus outbreak has been dominating the headlines of the news for the past few weeks. Originating in Wuhan, China, experts believe that it spreads through close contact from person to person, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is unknown whether or not someone can contract the virus by touching a surface with the virus on it (i.e. a table) and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose.
Symptoms include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
The new coronavirus is officially more deadly than SARS from 2003, with a total of 900 deaths, while SARS killed 774 people. Experts hope that the travel bans in effect around the world will halt the outbreak and eventually squash the virus.
This is a developing story.
UPDATE -- Since February 12, when this article was uploaded, many developments have occurred. Covid-19 is so widespread now, the best way to understand the current situation is by the numbers. On February 12th, it was reported that the coronavirus had killed around 900 people. Currently, the worldwide death total is 184,643. Many more people than that have recovered, that number being 721,531. There are 2,658,062 confirmed cases worldwide at this time.
Most schools nationwide are closed down for the remainder of the school year, and have deployed "distance learning." Students can access their work, their teachers' assistance, and other useful resources all online as many schools are deciding whether or not to open by the first semester of next school year, which would be Fall of 2020.
The most important thing citizens can do currently is to stay home and socially distance. If it is truly necessary, people are allowed to exit their homes to run errands, but most states now require customers to wear masks in stores (and places in general) where they cannot socially distance. Furthermore, many grocery stores have put rules in place that regulate shopping, such as special hours for the elderly, who are thought to be more vulnerable, a "one shopper per family" limit, and a limit on the amount of customers who can be in the store at one time. Stores are using their fire safety capacity limits and cutting them in half to calculate how many people should be allowed in the store at one time.
It is important that we all keep in mind these guidelines. Everyone needs to stay home when possible and always do their best to remain safe. Of course, we give many thanks to the front line workers who risk their lives every day to help fight this pandemic.
This story will continually be updated as it continues to develop.
