COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and now with this new virus (named SARS-CoV-2).
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. All three of these viruses have their origins in bats. The sequences from U.S. patients are similar to the one that China initially posted, suggesting a likely single, recent emergence of this virus from an animal reservoir.
Early on, many of the patients at the epicenter of the outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China had some link to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. Later, a growing number of patients reportedly did not have exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread. Person-to-person spread was subsequently reported outside Hubei and in countries outside China, including in the United States. Most international destinations now have ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19, as does the United States. Community spread means some people have been infected and it is not known how or where they became exposed. Learn more about the spread of this coronavirus that is causing COVID-19.
Being under the stay at home order:
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A series of strict measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak has been introduced by the government. They are aimed at stopping the spread of infection by making people stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
Shopping for basic necessities such as food or medicine
To exercise
Seeking medical assistance, or to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm
Providing care or assistance to a vulnerable person, providing emergency assistance, or donating blood
Traveling to work or to carry out voluntary services, where it's not possible to do these from home
Attending the funeral of a member of your household, or a close family member (or in some circumstances, a friend)
Fulfilling legal obligations, such as attending court, satisfying bail requirements or participating in legal proceedings
Accessing critical public services including childcare or education, social services, or victim support
Allowing children of separated parents to move between both households
Moving house where reasonably necessary
Religious ministers are also allowed to visit their place of worship.
When outside your home, you should keep a safe distance of 6ft or more from anyone who is not a member of your household.
What's been closed under the restrictions?
Many businesses and venues have been ordered to close. These include:
Pubs, cafes and restaurants - although food delivery and takeaway are still permitted
Cinemas and theaters, libraries, community centers, and places of worship
All shops selling "non-essential" goods - this includes clothing and electronics stores, and hair, beauty and nail salons
Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, arcades and soft play facilities
Communal places within parks, such as playgrounds, sports courts and outdoor gyms
Hotels, hostels, bed-and-breakfasts, campsites and caravan parks (excluding those providing accommodation for key workers, permanent residents and the homeless)
Shops that remain open include supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations and post offices.
However, in households where people are self-isolating, or where a vulnerable individual is being shielded, no work should be carried out except emergency repairs to remedy a direct safety risk to the household.
What other measures are being taken?
All gatherings of more than 10 people have been banned by the government. The only exceptions are:
Where the gathering is of a group of people who live together - for example, a parent can take their children to the shops if they can't be left at home alone
Where the gathering is essential for work purposes - although workers should try to keep all meetings to a minimum
In addition, the government has stopped weddings, baptisms and other religious ceremonies, apart from funerals.
The police have been given powers to make sure people follow the measures.
If you leave your home or gather in public for any reason other than those allowed, the police may instruct you to go home or disperse. They may also instruct you to stop your children from also breaking the rules. They also have the power to take you home, arrest you or fine you.
