About COVID-19
Understanding the virusScientific evidence provides the best information possible as the basis for public policy.

Science is learning about the natural and social world through the process of observation, identification, description, investigation, and experimentation. Scientists use evidence, along with active thinking, to explain what is happening.
The word “Science” means collective knowledge and comes from the Latin word scientia which meant knowledge, a knowing, expertness or experience.
Trusting the science means:
Respecting the process (understanding how science works).
Using the knowledge (listening to the experts, referencing reliable sources).
“Following the best available science helps us make decisions that keep us safe.” (www.scienceupfirst.com)
Understanding Viruses and COVID-19

In medicine, a virus is a very small particle only seen through a microscope. Viruses are made up of genetic material (RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat. They infect living cells where they reproduce and cause many diseases, including the common cold, flu, and HIV.
The name “virus” comes from a Latin word meaning “slimy liquid” or “poison.”
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the Coronavirus. The coronavirus has spiky proteins that look like a jeweled crown (Corona is the Latin name for crown).
COVID-19 spreads very quickly when:
An infected person breathes out small liquid droplets and particles when talking, coughing, sneezing, or singing and other people nearby breathe them in;
A person is exposed to small droplets or aerosols that stay in the air for several minutes or hours (airborne transmission);
A person touches a surface with the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes (low risk).
The most common symptoms are:




Other symptoms may include:
- ZShortness of breath
- ZMuscle aches
- ZChills
- ZSore throat
- ZChest pain
- ZDiarrhea
- ZVomiting and nausea