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Hot Topics: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Home

A research guide on the coronavirus

What's the Issue?

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).​COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. - World Health Organization

While "coronavirus" refers to a broad group of viruses, you might hear the term being loosely applied to refer to the newest strain, COVID-19, or Coronavirus Disease 2019.

The information about COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Please check back here as this guide will continue to be updated as often as possible. 

Find Maine-specific information here.

Updated: 08/04/2020

Overviews

Websites

COVID-19 and Racism

Be Kind Infographic from UN and WHO

Be KIND to support loved ones during #coronavirus

  • Check in regularly especially with those affected
  • Encourage them to keep doing what they enjoy
  • Share WHO information to manage anxieties
  • Provide calm and correct advice for your children

Learn more to Be READY for #COVID19: www.who.int/COVID-19

[Footer] [UN logo] United Nations [WHO logo] World Health Organization

COVID-19 and Homelessness

Maps, Data, Statistics, & Analysis

'The Virus That Has Enveloped the World.' Locations by number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Choropleth map, usually contains data from previous week.

'Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, recoveries, and deaths worldwide as of [month day, year]'. Totals as blue column chart, usually updated weekly.

Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions

'Are U.S. States Flattening the Curve?' Cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases in selected U.S. states from day 1 with 100+ confirmed cases. Multicolored line chart, usually updated weekly.

'COVID-19's Devastating Impact On African Americans.' African American share of state/city populations and COVID-19 deaths (as of Apr 06, 2020). Maroon bar chart shows data for 4 states and Chicago. Blue labels list Black percentage of total population in state/ctiy.

Detection and Prevention

'Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)'. Infographic lists 7 possible symptoms and 5 emergency warning signs requiring immediate medical care.

Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Know the symptoms of COVID-19, which can include the following:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing*
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms can range from mild to severe illness, and appear 2-14 days after you are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

*Seek medical care immediately if someone has emergency warning signs of COVID-19.

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

[Footer] [CDC logo] cdc.gov/coronavirus
317142-A May 20, 2020 10:44 AM

Coping During an Outbreak

Coping with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak WHO UN infographic

[Header] World Health Organization Coping with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak

[Content] It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis.
Talking to people you trust can help. Contact your friends and family.

If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle - including proper diet, sleep, exercise and social contacts with loved ones at home and by email and phone with other family and friends.

Don’t use smoking, alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions.
If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counsellor. Have a plan, where to go to and how to seek help for physical and mental health needs if required.

Get the facts. Gather information that will help you accurately determine your risk so that you can take reasonable precautions. Find a credible source you can trust such as WHO website or, a local or state public health agency.

Limit worry and agitation by lessening the time you and your family spend watching or listening to media coverage that you perceive as upsetting.

Draw on skills you have used in the past that have helped you to manage previous life’s adversities and use those skills to help you manage your emotions during the challenging time of this outbreak.

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