A: COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019, is respiratory disease caused by one of the seven coronaviruses known to infect humans. It was first identified in humans in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2.

A: There is community spread across Ohio and the United States, meaning you can pick up the virus that causes COVID-19 from people you know or from out in your community from unknown sources, much like you catch the flu.

A: Symptoms, which generally appear two to 14 days after exposure, include cough or shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. You also may have COVID-19 if you have two or more of these symptoms fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. These symptoms range from mild to severe; however, some people with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to become more severely ill.

A: COVID-19 is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) with one another and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

A: There are no vaccines to prevent COVID-19. Stay home except to go to work or for medical care or household necessities. Try to work from home if possible. Use the personal prevention protection methods like a face mask and social distancing. Clean high-touch areas — counters, tables, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, nightstands — often, using household cleaning spray or wipes according to label directions.

A: It is strongly recommended that Ohioans wear cloth face coverings to cover their nose and mouth when at work or out in the community (such as in a grocery store). A cloth face covering may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others, which is especially important if someone is infected but does not have symptoms. Masks do not replace the need for social distancing, frequent hand cleaning and other everyday preventive actions. They should never be used on children younger than 2, anyone with breathing problems, or anyone who cannot easily remove them in their own. Do not use medical masks, which must be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.

A: Preventing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 and preventing deaths requires limiting exposure to as few people as possible. People who have COVID-19, sometimes without showing any symptoms, can pass the disease on to two or three other people without knowing it. If COVID-19 cases spike, healthcare providers could become overwhelmed and run out of supplies to protect themselves and treat patients — not just COVID-19 patients, but also others.  For details on the stay-at-home order, look here.

A: Yes. Going outside to a park or for exercise can be a fun and safe activity, but try to stay 6 feet away from others you encounter.

A: Ohio is reopening businesses in phases and will monitor COVID-19 data before taking subsequent steps. Testing for COVID-19 is being expanded and contact tracing is being conducted to monitor people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 patients. Open businesses and workplaces are required to follow several protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Further, efforts will continue to build Ohio’s supply of protective equipment for healthcare workers. More information on these efforts can be found on the Responsible Restart page at coronavirus.ohio.gov.

A: A detailed list of current closings can be found here.

A: Whenever possible stay at least 6 feet from other people. Wear a face covering, wash your hands often, try not to touch your face, and frequently disinfect your work area with disinfecting cleanser. Don’t share equipment used near the face and don’t congregate in breakrooms or other areas. Talk to your supervisor about accommodations in the work place if needed.

A: Call a healthcare professional if you develop symptoms listed above. Older people, people with underlying medical conditions, and people with compromised immune symptoms should contact a healthcare provider early. If you experience severe symptoms (e.g., persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face, or other concerning symptoms), contact a healthcare provider or emergency department and seek care immediately.

A: You should make all medically necessary visits as recommended by your healthcare provider. Ask for teleservices if available. On May 1, a restriction on elective and non-essential surgeries and procedures was amended to allow procedures that do not require an overnight stay in a healthcare facility or admission to a hospital and minimize use of personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals. Dental services may go forward if provided in an environment that limits COVID-19 exposure.

A: Testing supplies are being expanded across the state. This will allow providers to immediately and aggressively act to treat these at-risk patients and to take safety precautions to prevent spread of the disease. Your healthcare provider can advise whether you should be tested. To find a testing location in Hamilton County click here.

A: Continue to donate blood if you are well and able. Blood centers have been provided recommendations that will keep donors and staff safe, such as spacing donor chairs 6 feet apart, thoroughly adhering to environmental cleaning practices, and encouraging donors to make donation appointments ahead of time.

A: Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. However, the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from person-to-person. Food workers who are sick should stay home until they no longer pose a risk of infecting others. Anyone handling, preparing, or serving food should always follow safe food handling procedures, such as washing hands and surfaces often. It is also critical to follow the four key steps of food safety — clean, separate, cook, and chill — to prevent foodborne illness.

Scammers are trying to monopolize on the fear and uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought to so many. Watch out for claims of products or medications that can prevent or treat COVID-19 or anyone asking for your personal or banking information. If you suspect any unfair or deceptive sales practices, contact the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost at www.OhioProtects.org or 1-800-282-0515. See more on this issue here.

A: At this time, there is no reason to believe that animals, including pets, in the U.S. might be a source of COVID-19. To date, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 in the U.S.