Coronaviruses are a family of common viruses
that can cause illness in both animals and people.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
are two well-known coronaviruses.
In January of 2020, the World Health Organization
announced a new coronavirus, now called COVID-19,
which caused an outbreak of respiratory illness
in the city of Wuhan in China’s Hubei Province.
We’re still learning about how this virus spreads,
and rely on the United States Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
and the World Health Organization for guidance.
Here’s what we know about COVID-19:
Currently, it is thought that it spreads mainly through
respiratory droplets that are coughed or
sneezed into the air by an infected person.
It may also spread when an individual
touches an infected surface
and then touches his or her mouth, nose or eyes.
COVID-19 symptoms may be similar to
a respiratory infection.
Primary symptoms may include: fever,
cough and shortness of breath.
Some people – usually the elderly,
or the immune-compromised
may experience complications including pneumonia,
and overwhelming infection, known as sepsis.
To best protect yourself from this coronavirus:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces,
including your phone and computer.
Cover your nose and mouth with tissue
when you cough or sneeze,
then throw the tissue in the trash immediately.
For updated information, guidance and travel alerts,
visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
or the World Health Organization.
We will continue to actively monitor public health resources
to ensure we respond appropriately
to the needs of our customers and members.