The Coronavirus has plagued the people of China, with 8,200 confirmed cases and 171 deaths. Within the U.S., there are 110 people across 26 states that are being monitored for possible infection of the virus, as of Friday, Jan. 31.

This virus is spreading rapidly, with no sign of stopping. Within four days, the number of cases increased to 5,700. 

China isn’t the only place with this virus — as of Tuesday, Feb. 4, Thailand has reported 25 cases of the coronavirus; Singapore reported 24; Japan reported 23; Hong Kong reported 17; South Korea reported 16; Australia reported 13; Germany reported 12; the U.S. and Taiwan each reported 11; Malaysia, Macao and Vietnam each have 10; France has six; Canada has four; and Nepal and Cambodia each have one reported case. 

The total number of cases reported is now over 20,700 — that is terrifying. 

The Coronavirus, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a respiratory illness first found in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The virus has the same symptoms as the common cold: runny nose, coughing, headaches, sore throat, fever, etc. 

The CDC also said this virus can cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. So, never leaving my room again? Got it.

This virus is transferred so easily, it truly terrifies me. It can transfer through the air, by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, like touching or shaking hands and touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.

You know how after winter ends, you usually relax because flu and sickness season is over? Well, this virus doesn’t care what season it is. Someone can get it during the middle of summer.

Just in case you weren’t worried enough, you’re welcome.

Prevention for the virus is using common sense — washing your hands with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

This situation has been declared a global emergency and the Chinese government has partially/fully quarantined 15 cities. The government announced it would be sending an additional 1,200 health workers, along with 135 People’s Liberation Army medical personnel, to help the city’s stretched hospital staff.

Some good news, finally. 

Shanghai’s government said all businesses in the city will remain shut down until Sunday, Feb. 9. Schools in the city have been suspended until Monday, Feb. 17, and inspections for workers returning to the city have been strengthened.

I find it a little weird that the U.S. government hasn’t mentioned or made any announcements about the outbreak. I would understand, slightly, if it was outside of the U.S. in total, but there are possible cases within the U.S., and Trump hasn’t really said anything?

He tweeted a single tweet that was less than informative:

“We are in very close communication with China concerning the virus,” he said. “Very few cases reported in USA, but strongly on watch. We have offered China and President Xi any help that is necessary. Our experts are extraordinary.” 

Like, wow, don’t overshare so much next time. 

According to Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, “The U.S. has faced multiple pandemics before of varying degrees and severity. We need to be preparing as if this is a pandemic, but I continue to hope that it is not.”