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1. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from common cold to more severe diseases.
2. COVID-19 is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
3. The main concern about COVID-19 is that it seems to be as transmissible as influenza.
4. No one has developed immunity yet therefore everyone is potentially susceptible to COVID-19 virus infection.
5. Infections mainly result in mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle pain and dyspnoea.
6. More serious cases can develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis that can lead to death.
7. Symptoms generally appear up to 14 days post exposure to the virus.
8. Individuals at a higher risk include the elderly, people with serious chronic medical conditions that include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and chronic respiratory disease.
9. The virus is mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets from infected people through sneezing, coughing and exhaling.
10. Spread of respiratory viruses from person-to-person generally occurs due to close contact (within 2 meters).
11. The virus can survive on surfaces (tables, door-knobs) and objects (telephones, keyboards) for several hours.
12. Prophylactic measures include avoiding contact with people who are diseased as well as avoiding touching face, nose and eyes with unwashed hands.
13. Good hygiene practices include washing hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water and sanitizing hands and surfaces with alcohol-based gels.
14. Health experts say the evidence is clear that masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and that the more people wearing masks, the better.
15. The current estimated mortality rate is 2% of the infected people.
16. As of March 9th, there have been over 100 countries with confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 110,000 confirmed cases worldwide.
17. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available for COVID-19.
18. Current data indicates that disease in children appears to be relatively rare or mild.
19. In case you develop symptoms or have been in close contact with a person identified as COVID-19 positive or if you have recently travelled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19, call the Cyprus Ministry of Health coronavirus helpline: 1420.

For more information you may visit the website of the World Health Organisation.