The basic guide to the coronavirus, above, and coronavirus FAQ, below, is from PBS NewsHour.
The essential coronavirus FAQ
Lea la versión en español de este artículo.
COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, has dramatically altered life as we know it in the United States. Schools have closed, unemployment has skyrocketed, people grappled with isolation, as well as uncertainty about when it will be safe to resume daily life.
What started as a small outbreak in Wuhan, China, late last year has now spanned the globe. And still, medical and public health officials in scores of countries are racing to find answers and treatments.
This is a guide to what we know about coronavirus, from scientists, doctors and public health experts — a resource that changes alongside our understanding.
Have a question you’d like answered? Fill out this form. We’ll keep updating this post. And you can read, watch and listen to all of our coronavirus coverage here.
Jump to a question
- Who can get novel coronavirus, or COVID-19?
- What happens if you get the virus?
- Who is most at risk?
- What are the most common symptoms?
- How does the coronavirus affect children?
- Should I get or make a face mask to protect myself?
- What should you do if you or someone at home has symptoms?
- Are there any medications or vaccines for COVID-19?
- Do not drink, inject or otherwise ingest disinfectant of any kind.
- How does novel coronavirus spread?
- Can the virus be spread by people who do not have symptoms?
- What is community spread?
- How often do I need to wash my hands?
- How does it compare to the flu?
- What types of tests are available?
- Who can get tested? How do you get tested?
- Will I have to pay for a test?
- Can my employer require that I take a COVID-19 test before returning to work?
- What is “social distancing”?
- How can I limit my risk outside my home?
- What should you do if you think you might be infected, but are uninsured?
- If I’ve already had COVID-19, am I immune? Can I get reinfected?
- Where did COVID-19 start and where did it come from?
- Can household pets get COVID-19 or spread the virus?
- Can you catch the virus from touching surfaces?
- How long does the virus last on surfaces?
- Can you get sick from food, restaurant takeout or packaging?
- What is the best way to clean and disinfect surfaces?
- What is contact tracing, and how could it help manage COVID-19? 29
- How do contract tracing apps work?
- When will things reopen or return to normal in the U.S.?
- What are quarantine “pods” or social “bubbles”? Are they safe?
- Will there be a second wave of infection? Are we already experiencing it?
- Is it safe to return to work?
- Is it safe to travel?
- What should you do if you feel scared, anxious or depressed?
- How can I help others?
Who can get novel coronavirus, or COVID-19?
People all over the world and of all ages can get COVID-19 or spread the virus. NBA players, members of Congress and Hollywood celebrities are among the millions of people who have been infected. Fewer infants, children and young adults have died or gotten seriously ill so far, but they are not immune.
Minority racial and ethnic groups have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, according to the CDC and the COVID Tracking Project at The Atlantic, which collects data from every U.S. state and territory. As of early June:
- African Americans make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, but account for 24 percent of COVID-19 deaths where race is known.
- Black people and Native Americans are hospitalized 4.5 times more than white people. Hispanics and Latinos are hospitalized 3.5 times more than what people.
- Hispanics and Latinos make up 18 percent of the population nationally, but test positive for the disease at higher rates than would be expected for their share of the population in nearly every state where data is available.
- Smaller minority groups are also experiencing similar disparities at the state level. In Arizona, Native Americans make up 4 percent of the population, but account for 21 percent of both cases and deaths. Asian Americans make up 8 percent of Nevada’s population, but account for 11 percent of cases and 17 percent of deaths.
MAP: Watch the real-time spread of coronavirus in the U.S.
What happens if you get the virus?
The majority of people recover, according to data from China and other countries. Most people report mild or moderate symptoms. But “mild” is relative — some patients with so-called mild cases have still reported feeling very sick. In the U.S., 19 percent of cases are hospitalized, and 6 percent are admitted to intensive care units, based on a CDC study from March. The death rate for COVID-19 has varied widely country to country, with the U.S. having fewer deaths per 100,000 people than the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden and France but higher than China, Germany, Canada and Mexico, according to figures tracked by Johns Hopkins University.
Patients with mild to moderate illness may be able to manage their symptoms at home, under the direction of medical professionals, if they have not developed pneumonia or a lack of oxygen in body tissues (hypoxia).
Patients with moderate illness experience lower respiratory disease, such as mild pneumonia. Some may require hospitalization.
Severe and critical cases, which occur at a lower rate, require hospitalization. Patients receive oxygen therapy and may be put on antibiotics if bacterial infection or sepsis is suspected. Patients may undergo pulmonary imaging, such as chest x-ray, ultrasound and CT scans, and echocardiogram (ECG), as well as extensive blood work to monitor organ function.
As COVID-19 is primarily a lung disease, patients with severe or critical illness may also develop associated illnesses such as acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, cardiac dysfunction, cytokine storms, and/or issues related to underlying conditions, according to the National Institutes of Health. These patients may also experience heart, liver, kidney and central nervous system disease.
Critical cases of COVID-19 are life threatening and require placement in intensive care units. Some patients may be put on a ventilator to help them breathe.
Robyn Esaw sits in her wheelchair in her room at Hammonton Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing amid a coronavirus disease outbreak in Hammonton, New Jersey. Robyn Esaw/Handout via REUTERS
Who is most at risk?
Limited data suggests that people at the greatest risk of getting really sick or dying from COVID-19 are older or have pre-existing health conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People of all ages with the following underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Obesity
- Organ transplant recipients (who have weakened immune systems)
- Serious heart conditions
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes
People with the following conditions might be at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19:
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Chronic lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Moderate to severe asthma
- Neurological conditions, including dementia
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Thalassemia (a blood disorder)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Weakened immune system from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or other immune weakening medicines
Pregnant women who have the coronavirus are more likely to be hospitalized, admitted to an intensive care unit and put on a ventilator than women who are not pregnant, the CDC says. Their risk of death, however, is not increased. Hispanic and Black pregnant women appear to be disproportionately affected by the virus during pregnancy.
In the U.S., four out of five deaths from the disease have been among people 65 and older. Hospitalization rates also increase with age.
Health care workers — not just hospital doctors and nurses, but everyone who works at a medical facility or provides care and services to the sick and ailing — are at a higher risk of exposure to the coronavirus. As of June, there have been almost 70,000 cases reported among health care professionals. The real number of cases is likely much higher, as only 21 percent of reported results included information that could identify the patient as a health care worker.
Confined spaces such as nursing homes, prisons and food processing plants — where social distancing is difficult — have suffered widespread coronavirus outbreaks.
WATCH: Why American nursing homes have been hit so hard by coronavirus
What are the most common symptoms?
- Fever or chills
- Dry, persistent cough
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
A smaller number of patients have reported:
- Muscle or body aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of taste or smell
- Rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes
From the time you are exposed, symptoms could appear within two to 14 days (but most commonly it’s about four to six days, according to the CDC and WHO). Some people get the virus but appear to have no symptoms, putting them at greater risk for passing it to others. Or symptoms can be easily confused with the seasonal flu, which has also complicated efforts to identify and contain COVID-19.
How does the coronavirus affect children?
People ages 17 and under make up around 5 percent of cases in the U.S. and they generally experience mild symptoms of the disease, according to the CDC. These patients have reported cold-like symptoms (fever, runny nose and cough), plus vomiting and diarrhea. Most patients recover.
Some children who have had COVID-19 or been in close contact with someone who has been infected have developed a very rare inflammatory condition, often weeks later. Doctors believe it’s related to the body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) include persistent fevers, fatigue, abdominal pain, neck pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rashes. Inflammation occurs across multiple organ systems, including the heart. Most children with the condition require hospitalization. Very few deaths have been reported in hospitalized patients.
WATCH: Why does COVID-19 appear to cause inflammatory response in some children?
Should I get or make a face mask to protect myself?
Yes. In light of evolving understanding of how the virus may be transmitted, the CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public places, such as grocery stores, where it is difficult to socially distance from others. Masks can be made from fabric you already have at home, and some patterns don’t require sewing. After use, masks should be cleaned in a washing machine.
Children under 2 or anyone who is unconscious or unable to remove a mask on their own should not wear face coverings, according to the CDC. Surgical masks and N95 respirators should be reserved for health care professionals or first responders.
What should you do if you or someone at home has symptoms?
First and foremost, stay at home even if you’re not the person who is sick. The CDC recommends “social distancing” for two weeks, which is the length of time believed to be the disease’s incubation period. The sick person should stay in a room away from other people, and if possible, use a separate bathroom. Continue to wash your hands, clean and disinfect high-traffic hard surfaces (door knobs, countertops, faucet handles) and don’t share food or drinks.
Contact your medical care provider online or by phone to seek guidance. If you are not experiencing a medical emergency, do not rush to a clinic before you speak with a provider. If you are struggling to breathe, go to an emergency room immediately.
Are there any medications or vaccines for COVID-19?
There are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs or therapies to prevent or treat the disease, though researchers are conducting clinical trials and analyzing data to fill that gap.
FDA granted an emergency use authorization in May to the intravenous antiviral drug remdesivir for the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19. In one trial, the drug shortened the time of recovery in some patients. Statistically, there was no significant difference in death for COVID-19 patients who were treated with remdesivir compared to those who were not.
An inexpensive, widely available steroid called dexamethasone can improve survival for some severely ill hospitalized patients, according to a forthcoming study from British researchers. Deaths were reduced among patients who required breathing machines or supplemental oxygen, but did not seem to help those who were less ill.
Health care workers have been trying to find off-label uses for existing medications that reduce the severity of people’s symptoms with medications designed to treat other ailments — including the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine. While President Donald Trump has touted anecdotal evidence that the drug has helped manage some patients’ symptoms, there is no data that proves it is effective in treating or preventing COVID-19. In fact, the FDA revoked its emergency use authorization on June 15, saying “the drug’s potential benefits for such use do not outweigh its known and potential risks.”
Scientists are racing to develop a vaccine against the new coronavirus, but experts say it may take as much as 18 months before one is released to the public. The Trump administration has selected five companies as finalists to develop a vaccine with the support of the government. But basic questions remain about the effectiveness of a vaccine against COVID-19, including how long one would provide protection against the disease.
One potential stop-gap measure that is being tested is convalescent plasma therapy, the century-old practice of using blood plasma of patients who have recovered from disease and injecting it into patients who are ill to speed up their recovery. The therapy is the focus of research in labs and hospitals, and shows early signs of promise though results are not complete.
READ MORE: Moderna on track for large COVID-19 vaccine test in July
Do not drink, inject or otherwise ingest disinfectant of any kind.
Drinking, injecting or otherwise ingesting disinfectants can cause severe injuries or death.
Read the safety labels on disinfectants or any other cleaning products before using them.
How does novel coronavirus spread?
It spreads through airborne respiratory droplets, i.e. saliva and mucus, and can be transmitted from surfaces that someone has coughed on or touched. To reduce your chances of getting or spreading the virus, practice good hygiene:
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough
- Avoid touching your face
- Avoid touching surfaces
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
Virus particles of SARS-CoV-2, also known as novel coronavirus, are shown emerging from the surface of cells isolated from a patient in the U.S. The crown-like spikes on the outer edge of the virus particles give coronaviruses their name. Image by NIAID-RML/Handout via REUTERS
Can the virus be spread by people who do not have symptoms?
Yes. Both pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic people can spread the disease while actively infected with the virus, according to WHO.
A person is pre-symptomatic if they have been infected with the coronavirus and do not currently have any symptoms but will develop them. They may not realize for a couple of days that they are sick.
A person is asymptomatic if they are infected with SARS-CoV-2, but do not experience symptoms while infected. They may never know they are infected unless they are tested. Some people who identified as asymptomatic have reported, in hindsight, having very mild symptoms, WHO says.
How much pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic people spread the virus is unknown. We do know that more airborne respiratory droplets are expelled by coughing and sneezing than by talking. But we don’t know how rare asymptomatic cases are because most people do not get tested unless they experience symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
On June 9, a spokesperson for WHO suggested that people who did not have symptoms were unlikely to spread the virus. But within hours, the organization clarified its statement, saying it is unclear how prevalent asymptomatic transmission truly is.
What is community spread?
Community spread is when people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. Check with your local health department to learn whether there is confirmed community spread of SARS-CoV-19 where you live.
How often do I need to wash my hands?
Wash your hands immediately after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom or touching surfaces in a public space. Wash your hands before eating or preparing food and before touching your face. If you’re not sure you’re doing it right, here’s what the CDC recommends:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water
- Rub your hands together with soap — this includes the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails
- Scrub your hands for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice
- Rinse your hands under clean, running water and dry them with a clean towel or air dryer
How does it compare to the flu?
Novel coronavirus belongs to the same family of viruses as the common cold, not influenza. But the symptoms can be similar to flu, and the current pandemic has drawn comparisons to the 1918 influenza that killed up to 50 million people around the world.
READ MORE: Why it’s too early to compare COVID-19 with the flu
The flu, which returns every year, sickens many more people in the U.S. than COVID-19 — so far. Unlike the flu, COVID-19 does not have a vaccine or medications designed specifically to prevent and treat it. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot this season, health officials urge you to do so now, as soon as possible.
This novel coronavirus appears to have a higher mortality rate, based on current data. You calculate that rate by dividing the number who have died from COVID-19 by the number overall who are sick. But because testing is far from adequate, public health officials, especially in the U.S., have trouble with figuring out exactly how many people have this virus.
A medical worker speaks to a motorist waiting in line to receive COVID-19 testing outside Roseland Community Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Joshua Lott/REUTERS
What types of tests are available?
Two types of tests are currently available: diagnostic and antibody.
Diagnostic tests, often referred to as molecular or PCR tests, detect whether you are actively infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Mucus samples are collected from a person’s nose or throat. Depending on the testing facility, results may take several days as most must be sent to labs for analysis. These are considered the most reliable tests.
Antigen tests are rapid diagnostic tests that quickly detect the virus. Results are available in minutes, but the tests may not detect all active infections. Positive tests are highly accurate, but there are a higher chance of false negatives compared to other tests. Your doctor may order a molecular diagnostic test if you have symptoms of the disease.
Antibody tests, or serology tests, detect whether you have been previously infected by the virus. A blood test can confirm whether you have antibodies to the coronavirus, which usually develop one to three weeks after infection. Antibodies can help fight off infections, but it is not known whether antibodies to the coronavirus will protect you from getting infected again, or how long they may protect you. A negative test could mean you have an active infection, so follow up with your doctor for guidance.
Antibody testing is being used as part of the CDC’s COVID-19 surveillance efforts. It can also identify potential donors of convalescent plasma.
While most tests are administered by health care professionals either at a medical facility or a designated coronavirus testing site, at-home diagnostic tests are increasingly available. These tests allow for the collection of samples (via nose or throat swabs, or spit) that are then sent to a lab for analysis. While the demand is high for at-home tests, accuracy and affordability issues may limit their use. Some companies are sending health workers to people’s homes to assist with collection.
Who can get tested? How do you get tested?
In most places, it’s not as easy as simply asking for one. It depends on where you live, how many tests are available in your community, how sick you are and if you have reason to believe that you might have the virus. Without an abundance of tests currently available across the U.S., testing may be reserved for those who are presenting respiratory systems, have had contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or health care providers who tended to a patient with the virus.
READ MORE: The reason U.S. COVID-19 numbers aren’t higher? Not enough tests
If you have reason to suspect you could have COVID-19, the CDC says you should call your primary care physician, local community health center or urgent care facility. Providers will ask you about your symptoms and, if they believe you should receive testing, advise you as to whether, how and where to seek testing. But multiple people have reported that their doctors have referred them to their state or local health departments for COVID-19 testing, but said they were unable to access a test.
Will I have to pay for a test?
If you have health insurance, the cost of “medically necessary” COVID-19 tests should be fully covered under the Families First Coronavirus Act and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Most insurers are reimbursed up to $100 for some tests by Medicare. In some cases, patients may be charged for other services performed – like those to rule out other diseases – or for the amount not covered by insurance.
If you do not have health insurance, the cost of a test may also be covered under a federal Medicaid emergency provision, if you live in a state that has implemented the policy. Free testing is available at some locations where local government agencies are picking up the cost.
Can my employer require that I take a COVID-19 test before returning to work?
Yes, law permits employers to require workers to be tested before allowing you to enter the workplace, even if you do not have any related symptoms. They may also ask you whether you have any symptoms and take your temperature. If you do have symptoms, you may be asked to leave.
What is “social distancing”?
In short, it means keeping at least 6 feet apart from anyone outside of your household, and limiting your trips to places where you might interact with other people to only what is absolutely necessary. Work from home, if possible, and avoid large gatherings and crowded places as much as possible.
The Trump administration has also advised against gatherings of more than 10 people. And if you are around other people, maximize physical distance from one another, make sure to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, and don’t share food or drinks. It is safe to go outside on walks, go to the park (if open) and into nature if you keep your distance from others. And, of course, keep washing your hands.
READ MORE: Is 6 feet far enough for social distancing? Here’s what science says
How can I limit my risk outside my home?
The more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk, the CDC warns.
The best way to prevent infection while outside of your house is to practice social distancing, have good hand hygiene and wear a face mask in public.
As people resume activities, the CDC published recommendations to help determine your risk, as well as safety tips:
- Avoid enclosed spaces when possible. Take the stairs instead of an elevator.
- Avoid touching frequently touched items. If you must, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterwards.
- When dining out, see if there’s an option to dine outside. If not, make sure tables are at least 6 feet apart.
- At the gym, don’t use items that cannot be cleaned or sanitized after use. Avoid high-fives and elbow bumps.
- Use curbside options at the library or stores.
- At cookouts, use single-serve options and remind people to wash hands before and after eating.
READ MORE: Is it safe to stay in a hotel, cabin or rental home during the pandemic?
What should you do if you think you might be infected, but are uninsured?
Health care professionals say that anyone who fears they may have contracted the novel coronavirus needs to seek appropriate care. If you’re uninsured, knowing where to turn can be tricky.
Many local health departments have set up hotlines that can direct patients in the right direction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has an online “self checker” tool to guide patients to the best care. Some states are also offering special enrollment periods to sign up for health insurance, and even easing some restrictions to temporarily expand Medicaid. Certified navigators at the state level can help guide people through the process of picking a plan on the health exchanges.
READ MORE: How uninsured patients can get help during COVID-19 pandemic
If I’ve already had COVID-19, am I immune? Can I get reinfected?
It’s still too early to know if people who recover from COVID-19 can get infected again, the CDC says. Most people begin developing antibodies one to three weeks after infection, but having antibodies does not guarantee immunity.
You should continue to protect yourself and others from the virus until more is known or an effective vaccine is widely available.
When did COVID-19 start and where did it come from?
The first-known cases originated in a seafood and poultry market in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019, before exploding into an official pandemic by mid-March. The virus most likely originated in bats, WHO says, but scientists believe the virus jumped to humans from a different species.
READ MORE: Why uncertainty about coronavirus breeds opportunity for misinformation
A veterinarian examines a cat in Manhattan on March 31, 2020. Photo by REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
Can household pets get COVID-19 or spread the virus?
A small number of animals, including cats and dogs, have tested positive in the U.S., usually after close contact with someone who has the virus. The risk of animals spreading the virus is low, according to the CDC. There is no evidence people can get the coronavirus from the skin, fur or hair of pets.
Because there is a small risk that sick people can spread the virus to animals, pet owners should limit their pet’s interaction with people outside the household. Keep cats indoors when possible. Keep dogs at least 6 feet away from others when outside. Avoid unleashed activities, like the dog park, and places where social distancing is not possible.
Authorities recommend that any pet owners with COVID-19 avoid contact with their animals as much as possible, including wearing a face covering while caring for them.
If your pet becomes sick or has had contact with someone who has COVID-19, call your veterinarian for guidance.
Can you catch the virus from touching surfaces?
It’s possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your own mouth, nose or eyes. The virus, however, spreads mainly person-to-person through respiratory droplets.
You can reduce your risk by washing your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you’ve touched an object someone else has touched or handled. If you cannot wash your hands, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol and wash your hands as soon as you can. Frequently touched objects – mobile phones, keys, doorknobs and so on – should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
How long does the virus last on surfaces?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is detectable on some surfaces for days, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The longer the virus is on a surface, however, the less of it remains. Researchers do not know how much of the virus it takes to make someone sick.On cardboard, it can last up to 24 hours. On copper, up to four hours. And on plastic and stainless steel, it can last up to 72 hours.
The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus is wash your hands, Dr. Fauci says.
Can you get sick from food, restaurant takeout or packaging?
The risk is likely very low, the CDC says. Because the virus can linger on surfaces, it is important to wash your hands before preparing or eating food. There is no evidence thatCOVID-19 can be transmitted through food.
What is the best way to clean and disinfect surfaces?
Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces and objects with soap and water to physically remove germs, dirt and impurities. Follow up with an FDA-approved disinfectant that kills viruses – including SARS-CoV-2 – as well as bacteria, fungi and parasites. Read the product’s label and follow all instructions. Many disinfectants require applying the product for a period of time to be effective. Do not mix chemicals.
Protect your skin by wearing reusable or disposable gloves. Make sure there is proper ventilation in case the chemicals you are using produce strong smells. Bleach, for example, smells stronger after it’s been applied to surfaces due to a chemical reaction. Open windows and doors, if possible, and turn on a fan. Store products safely, out of reach of children and pets.
Laundry should be washed at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric or material. Wear gloves when handling a sick person’s laundry. You can combine that person’s laundry with other people’s items. Use appropriate household cleaners for objects that cannot be laundered, such as rugs and carpets.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when cleaning and disinfecting electronics. If no guidance is available, use wipes or sprays that have at least 70 percent alcohol.
What is contact tracing, and how could it help manage COVID-19?
Contact tracing is the process of tracking the spread of a disease by interviewing patients or using technology to find outwho else may have been exposed. The technique can help slow the spread of COVID-19, save lives and maybe even prevent future waves of the virus.
The process is straightforward, but time-intensive. First, workers contact people with newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 to identify everyone they came into contact with while sick. Then workers reach out to those people to tell them they may have been exposed – while maintaining the privacy of the patient – and that they will need to quarantine. They also explain how to quarantine the right way, how people can protect their families, get groceries and medicine, pay their bills and even find help for domestic abuse.
The technique has been used extensively for prior disease outbreaks elsewhere, but the U.S. currently lacks a nationwide tracing infrastructure. State governments across the country are hiring thousands of people as contact tracers to track the spread of the virus and to help bring it under control. The data collected can also help researchers know which mitigation methods work.
How do contract tracing apps work?
Digital tools to track people’s movements, like those used in Singapore, Israel, South Korea, and in some U.S. states could also help. When a user downloads and enables a contact tracing app, their mobile device will track their location and search for Bluetooth beacons of other users nearby. If someone reports a positive diagnosis in the app, any users who have recently had contact with that person will be alerted.
In May, Google and Apple, together, released an exposure notification solution using Bluetooth technology on mobile devices that public health authorities can use in the contact tracing apps that they are building. Security experts, however, remain concerned about user privacy.
People try to keep social distance as they enjoy a warm afternoon during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease at Domino Park in Brooklyn, New York, May 16, 2020. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
When will things reopen or return to normal in the U.S.?
In April, the Trump administration issued guidelines for states, individuals and employers on how to ease up on social distancing to deal with the coronavirus in areas where COVID-19 are on the decline. Since then, most states have begun to reopen to various degrees. A few – California, Oregon and Tennessee – have only begun reopening regionally.
Because reopening decisions are made on the state and local levels, it can be confusing. Read news from local media and check websites of your local and state governments for current safety restrictions and the latest developments.
It is unknown how long the pandemic will last. Without a vaccine, the virus is expected to continue to spread. Economic effects of the pandemic in the U.S., such as recession and record unemployment, may be felt for years.
READ MORE: This chart can help you weigh coronavirus risks this summer
What are quarantine “pods” or social “bubbles”? Are they safe?
Some people and families are cautiously expanding their social circles beyond their immediate households and forming “pods,” “bubbles” or “quaranteams” with people who they have decided to treat as safe. The CDC recommends social distancing from people outside of your household, but loneliness and isolation can worsen mental and physical health. Quarantine bubbles can help alleviate those potential health risks while improving quality of life.
When forming a quaranteam, members discuss interactions they’ve had with others outside of their household, how they will socialize with one another and determine rules for interacting with people outside of their circle. Ongoing, open communication is key to keeping everyone safe.
READ MORE: Quarantine bubbles – when done right – limit coronavirus risk and help fight loneliness
Will there be a second wave of infection? Are we already experiencing it?
As of June 15, coronavirus cases in more than 20 states are rising, while new daily reported cases have held steady for weeks nationally. The movement of virus hot spots from major coastal cities to other parts of the country is part of the first wave in the U.S.
Pandemics have been characterized by waves of activity spread over months, and it’s possible to have a second peak within the same wave. That’s what happened in the 1918 influenza pandemic, WHO says.
Many health experts expect a second wave of cases in the fall, though it’s not inevitable. Some viruses, like influenza, spread more during cold winter months, but SARS-CoV-19 has not been around long enough for researchers to determine if the weather or temperatures affect the spread of the virus. However, people typically spend more time indoors – where it may be harder to social distance and there’s less ventilation – in the fall and winter.
As states decide when and how to reopen their economies, many fear another wave of infections and deaths. PBS NewsHour correspondent William Brangham sat down with Science magazine writer Jon Cohen on April 22 to take viewer questions, and talk about how COVID-19 affects the human body.
Is it safe to return to work?
As long as there is community spread of the virus, there is risk of exposure and infection when interacting with other people. The CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have issued guidelines for employers on how to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Limit your risk by social distancing when possible and wearing a face mask in public.
Check with your state and local health department for guidance, and consider your individual circumstances to make an informed decision. Are you or someone you live with at high risk of getting severely ill? If you have children at home, are you able to secure safe child care for them?
If you don’t know your employer’s COVID-19 policies, there are several questions you might want to ask. How are they enforcing social distancing? What is the sick leave policy if you or a family member becomes sick? Are screening measures, such as temperature checks or testing, in place? How many people will be working at the same time? What is the procedure if someone becomes sick?
If your employer is not following safety or health guidelines, you can confidentially file a complaint with OSHA.
Is it safe to travel?
Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick, the CDC warns. When deciding whether to travel, consider the following:
- Is COVID-19 spreading in your community, along the route and your destination?
- Are you, or anyone you are travelling with or visiting, more likely to get severely ill if infected with the virus?
- Is social distancing possible while you’re travelling, during the trip and after?
- What mode of transportation will you take? Will it require being within 6 feet of others? Will you need to make stops along the way, possibly coming in close contact with people and surfaces?
- Are there any travel restrictions in place between your home and your destination? Do either locations require you to self-isolate for 14 days after travel? Travelling internationally? Check the CDC’s latest travel health notices here.
If you are sick, do not travel. And remember, the virus can be spread by people who do not have symptoms.
If you travel, protect yourself and others by practicing good hygiene, wearing a face mask in public and social distancing. Bring alcohol-based hand sanitizer, face masks and food and water for the trip in case restaurants along your route are closed. Pack supplies to clean and disinfect surfaces in hotels.
What should you do if you feel scared, anxious or depressed?
Even if you are in isolation, find ways to stay connected. Lean on technology, if you have it, to reach out to people you trust and who can appreciate the ups and downs of being human in these times.
Stick to your daily routine as much as possible: take a shower, get dressed and stick to a general schedule.
You should also exercise, eat healthy food and sleep regularly, the WHO has urged, telling the public to “pay attention to your own needs and feelings” during these stressful times.
Consuming endless amounts of news about COVID-19 can ramp up your anxiety. Set times during the day to check in on developments, and pay attention to news and information from trusted sources to help you prepare and stay safe.
How can I help others?
Counterintuitively, the best way to help others and society at large right now is to isolate yourself, stay home as much as possible — even as states and cities make moves to open up public life and commerce — and avoid the unintentional spread of the virus. You’ll be helping everyone, particularly those in the highest-risk groups and health care workers.
READ MORE: How to help others in the COVID-19 crisis
— Additional reporting by Isabella Isaacs-Thomas, Erica R. Hendry, Gretchen Frazee and Dorothy Hastings.
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