What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new strain of Coronavirus, which is an infectious disease. It can lead to respiratory illness with symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath. COVID-19 can be more severe than the flu, and with a higher mortality rate. Certain populations are more at risk of contracting this virus, including individuals age 60 and older and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions.

COVID-19 affects people in different ways. Greater than fifty percent (50%) of people infected with COVID-19 don't present with any signs and symptoms or become ill (asymptomatic carriers). Asymptomatic carriers can still transmit the virus to others.