WHAT IS COVID-19?
Covid-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), announced early March as a pandemic- an outbreak occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population. Globally, over 825,000 cases have been confirmed with more than 40,000 dead from the disease. The US is reported to have the most cases in the world.
This is a virus that scientists have not seen before. Like other viruses- including Ebola and influenza- it is believed to have started in animals (origins hint at bats) and spread to humans. Animal-to-person spread was suspected after the initial outbreak in December in Wuhan, China. Symptoms range from mild to severe appearing anywhere between 2 to 14 days after exposure, and may include:
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Fever
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Coughing
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Difficulty Breathing
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The virus is spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Touching a surface or object that has the virus on it will also potentially spread the disease. It is crucial to practice good hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and social distancing.
North Carolina identified its first COVID-19-positive case, a resident of Wake County, in early March. Every day since then, the number of positive cases in our community has increased.
The state has confirmed the virus could be anywhere in our community. We urge people to take precautions and to stay at home.
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-covid19.wakegov.com
In Wake County, the average age of developing the disease is 45 years. While anyone can contract COVID-19, adults older than 65, people with underlying health conditions and pregnant women should take extra precautions.
LATEST WAKE COUNTY UPDATES
891
cases
May 6, 2020
in NC
11,848
cases
55.2%
FEMALE
in NC
in NC
430
Deaths
in the US
1.24 mil
cases
Here are some ways Wake Gov recommends will help keep yourself less at risk of catching the disease:
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Staying home and using teleworking technology when possible.
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Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
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Practice social distancing.
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Keeping a distance from others (more than 6 feet away).
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes. -
Avoid close contact with sick people.
What is SOCIAL DISTANCING?
Social distancing is a public health strategy in which close contact between people is prevented. Tactics that people can use to support social distancing include maintaining six feet of space between each other when in public and avoiding events with large numbers of people. The goal is to slow the spread of COVID-19, contain the disease as much as possible, and reduce strain on our healthcare system to care for the sick.
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For more information regarding Covid-19 and the effects on NC, here are some great sources!