The 2019 Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The coronavirus, like the common cold, is spread by droplets which are often generated when a person coughs or sneezes.
Coronavirus are a family of viruses that are known for containing strains that cause potentially deadly diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, they are typically spread via airborne droplets of fluid produced by infected individuals.
More than 28,000 people worldwide have been infected by coronavirus which people fear will continue. At least 563 people have died so far until today (February 6) in mainland China, one death in Hong Kong and one more in the Phillipines.
Common signs of Corona include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. The risk of contracting the disease in Sri Lanka remains low but if you are worried there are simple steps to take:
- Wash hands often
- Avoid touching your face
- Avoid people who are coughing and sneezing
Facts about the virus
- The coronavirus receives its name from the halo or crown that is seen when the virus is viewed by an electron microscope.
- Coronavirus also have an enveloped structure with a positive sense RNA genome
- Coronavirus are also serious agricultural threats because they are known to infect cattle, pigs, birds, dogs, cats and rodents
I hope that my country won’t get affected by this deadly coronavirus.
Reema Ghazni (10 years)
Najaa Int. School, Mt. Lavinia
