Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What is the Coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus in the coronavirus family. Other coronaviruses have caused outbreaks of diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide.

Please see the links below for more factual information about the Coronavirus.

• Questions and Answers Hub on (COVID-19) - World Health Organization
• Coronavirus - Medline Plus
• Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security - COVID-19
• Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center (stopped tracking data as of 03/10/2023, but data repositories are still available)
• CDC Portal for all topics related to COVID-19

Coronavirus Misinformation and Ways to Combat It

You may have seen content or websites out there on the internet claiming to have the latest and greatest information on this virus.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of sites out there that are trying to trick you into believing false information.  Below are some sites that can help you with determining fake news sites with Coronavirus misinformation.

• Coronavirus Misinformation Tracking Center - NewsGuard
• Coronavirus Rumor Control - FEMA
• Coronavirus - Reliable Information Resources: Fighting Misinformation - This helpful guide from Monmouth University explains some of the misinformation that has been making the rounds on the internet about COVID-19.
• Spotting Coronavirus Misinformation - University of Toronto Libraries
• Fact-Check.org's Coronavirus Coverage
• Snopes.com Coronavirus Collection
• Coronavirus: Distinguishing Facts From Fears - Skokie Public Library
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters
• Get Smart About COVID-19 - News Literacy Project
• Sifting Through the Coronavirus Pandemic - Mike Caufield (Infodemic)

This infographic below from IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) describes how you can combat fake news reporting with a COVID-19 twist. 

Click on the image to view it in another window.

The CDC offers information on preventing the spread of Coronavirus.  Some of these measures include:

• Cleaning your hands often using either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Practicing social distancing - limiting contact with people who potentially could be sick and those who are sick. Placing yourself 6-feet apart from others is considered a safe distance to avoid spreading the virus.
• Wearing a facemask can help prevent the spread of the virus. It must cover your nose and mouth entirely.

For more information about these guidelines and other preventative measures, please see the CDC's Coronavirus - How to Protect Yourself page.