COVID-19 Continues to Spread

ABSTRACT

On December 31, 2019, a cluster of cases of a viral respiratory illness subsequently known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was identified in Wuhan, China. Since that time, according to latest reports from the World Health Organization, more than 99,000 cases and 3,400 deaths have been reported. The virus has spread to 90 countries. A total of 164 cases of COVID-19 and 11 deaths have been reported by the CDC. Those at highest risk are persons who have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, including health care workers caring for these patients. The CDC does not recommend wearing face masks for protection from any respiratory disease, including COVID-19, unless caring for a patient with COVID-19 in a health care setting or at home.