COVID-19 - An Overview
Published on
22 Apr 2020
Published by
National Library Board
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new type of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) whose origins have yet to be determined. In December 2019, the first human cases were identified in Wuhan, China. Within the first quarter of 2020, as of 30 March 2020, there have been more than 780,000 confirmed cases in over 170 countries and territories, according to the Johns Hopkins University Tracker. More than 37,000 fatalities have also been reported.
Current studies suggest that the virus spreads when an individual is exposed to infective respiratory droplets, or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus then enters the body via the mouth, nose and eyes. It can cause mild flu-like symptoms or develop into severe symptoms such as pneumonia. Older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, pulmonary disease or other chronic conditions may be at higher risk for developing serious complications arising from COVID-19.
While there is currently no vaccine or antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19, a number of vaccines and drug treatments are being investigated. Fortunately, most patients recover through supportive care. In addition to advocating good personal hygiene and self-isolation if unwell, many governments also encourage social distancing to flatten the curve in the steep spike of cases, to avoid overwhelming healthcare systems.
To find out more about COVID-19 and its widespread impact across the world, check out the resources below. Our next installment will look at the COVID-19 situation in Singapore.
Videos and Podcasts
1.The science behind the coronavirus, the complete series
Source: The science behind the coronavirus, the complete series. (2020, March 19). Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2020, March 27.
2. Coronapod: “Test, test, test!”
Coronapod: “Test, test, test!” (2020, March 20). Nature. Retrieved 2020, March 27.
3. Just for kids: A comic exploring the new Coronavirus
COVID-19 web comic created by NPR based on interviews conducted with several experts. (2020, February 28). NPR. Retrieved 2020, March 30.
4. How we must respond to the COVID-19 pandemic: Bill Gates
Source: How we must respond to the COVID-19 pandemic: Bill Gates. (2020, March 26). TED. Retrieved 2020, March 27.
Brought to you by National Library Board. Reproduced with permission.
Disclaimer/ Rights statement
The information in this resource guide is valid as of March 2020 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history on the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic. All Rights Reserved. National Library Board Singapore 2020.
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