(WLBT) - As the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) continues to spread fear across the planet, health officials are working to contain the outbreak and people are looking to keep the virus from infecting themselves.

a close up of a logo: “We believe it’s important that people stay grounded in coronavirus facts available from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control," a UPS spokesperson said. © Provided by WMC Action News 5 Memphis “We believe it’s important that people stay grounded in coronavirus facts available from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control," a UPS spokesperson said.
Replay Video
UP NEXT
1
Cancel
Coronavirus outbreak: What you need to know
WMC Action News 5 Memphis
See more videos
What to watch next
UP NEXT
UP NEXT

While the outbreak is most widespread across China, with thousands of deaths already reported, it’s spread to countries across the globe and the United States is included. This map below shows the reported cases.

Replay Video
UP NEXT
1
Cancel
Coronavirus outbreak: What you need to know
WMC Action News 5 Memphis
See more videos
What to watch next
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
Resources:The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization
Replay Video
UP NEXT
1
Cancel
Coronavirus outbreak: What you need to know
WMC Action News 5 Memphis
See more videos
What to watch next
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
have been following the virus closely. They both have resource banks that help you track the outbreak and best protect yourself against it.Symptoms:

According to CDC, symptoms of the virus may appear between two and 14 days of exposure.

Replay Video
UP NEXT
1
Cancel
Coronavirus outbreak: What you need to know
WMC Action News 5 Memphis
See more videos
What to watch next
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Cases can vary, with some only leading to mild symptoms and other leading to severe illness and death.

Prevention:

The virus is mainly spread from person-to-person. This can be between people who are in close contact with each other, or through an infected person coughing or sneezing. It’s also possible, according to the CDC, that a person could be infected by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

Replay Video
UP NEXT
1
Cancel
Coronavirus outbreak: What you need to know
WMC Action News 5 Memphis
See more videos
What to watch next
UP NEXT
UP NEXT

Some things you can do to prevent getting the virus:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Household disinfectants are thought to be effective against the novel coronavirus, but it has not been scientifically proven.

Replay Video
UP NEXT
1
Cancel
Coronavirus outbreak: What you need to know
WMC Action News 5 Memphis
See more videos
What to watch next
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
Do I need a face mask?

CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask unless you already show symptoms of the illness. Face masks are crucial for health workers and other care providers, and supplied could become depleted.

Replay Video
UP NEXT
1
Cancel
Coronavirus outbreak: What you need to know
WMC Action News 5 Memphis
See more videos
What to watch next
UP NEXT
UP NEXT

If you need a mask, WHO has some tips on how to correctly use one.

Replay Video
UP NEXT
1
Cancel
Coronavirus outbreak: What you need to know
WMC Action News 5 Memphis
See more videos
What to watch next
UP NEXT
UP NEXT

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams urged in a tweet Saturday for consumers to stop buying face masks.

“Seriously people- STOP BUYING MASKS!” Adams tweeted. “They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!”

Can I travel?

CDC recommends against all nonessential travel to:

  • China
  • Iran
  • Italy
  • South Korea

These areas have all be deemed as places affected with widespread or sustained community transmission.

Japan is also under alert. CDC does not recommend travelling there if you are experiencing any symptoms. They recommend older adults and anyone with a chronic medical condition to postpone nonessential travel. Hong Kong is also under a watch, but CDC recommends using normal precautions if travelling there.How’s it impacting the stock market?

Stocks began rapidly dropping due to increased fears over the virus. Investors are concerned the virus will negatively impact consumer demand and disrupt manufacturing supply chains in major industries.

Experts say, historically, markets have rebounded from previous outbreaks and that this is just a short-lived blip in the market.

People close to retirement who have been more aggressive than they otherwise would be should be the most vigilant.

For the rest of us, experts said don’t panic and continue to add to your 401K and investing in the stock market.

Read moreWhat are local experts doing?

There is no sign of the coronavirus in Mississippi but health officials aren’t taking any chances.

“Some of the actions we are taking right now is enhanced monitoring of cases.” said Dr. Paul Byers, State Epidemiologist, Mississippi State Department of Health.

The State Department of Health is working with every hospital in the state, keeping an eye out for any signs of the virus.

Read moreAre my children at risk?

Children are not more susceptible to the virus.

Most cases in China have been reported among adults, in fact.

This doesn’t mean children are immune. there have been some reports, including in very young children, but it’s uncommon.

Medical supplies are being limited

Pharmacists at the Polk’s drug in Byram say they’ve started seeing shortages at their supply warehouse in Memphis about two weeks ago because of concerns about the virus.

The supplies are out at almost all of the Polk’s pharmacies.

It’s not known when they will be back on the shelves.

Read moreWhy does my Lysol bottle say it will kill the coronavirus?

Lysol products include “human coronavirus” on the back label that describes which viruses it protects against.

That doesn’t mean they knew about the virus in advance. COVID-19 is part of a larger family of viruses.

Thus far, there isn’t enough evidence to say if products like Lysol are effective against COVID-19. But it’s effective against similar illnesses.

Madison prom dress shop impacted by coronavirus outbreak

With Mississippi in the midst of prom season, one local prom dress shop is starting to feel the affects.

“One company told me they wouldn’t even be able to ship until April 15, but prom is over by then,” said owner Amy Heard.

Because of the worldwide threat of the catching the virus, many Chinese bridal and prom gown manufacturers that ship to the United States are shutting down.

“I had no idea it would affect us so much,” Heard confessed.

Read moreFlu a bigger concern in Mississippi so far

Dr. Paul Byers, State Epidemiologist with the Health Department, says right now the flu is a more realistic concern in the Magnolia State.

“So, when somebody has symptoms consistent with flu, and this illness can give you symptoms consistent with flu, COVID-19 can, then it’s likely the flu, in Mississippi, because that’s what we have being transmitted right now,” Byers said.

But watching the patterns of the coronavirus overseas means we need to be ready to react when it happens.

“Certainly it’s our concern that we may see widespread transmission within the United States and ultimately within Mississippi,” Byers said.

Read moreCity of Natchez creates coronavirus task force

Mayor Darryl Grennell came up with the plan as fears and concerns continue to grow about the virus.

Currently there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Mississippi, but that is not stopping those in Natchez from preparing for a potential outbreak. They say it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Right now, this is one of the chief concerns across the country,” said Lance Boyd, who is Chief Executive Officer of Merit Health Natchez.

Read moreThe latest headlines:Amazon employee tests positive for coronavirus; World braces for long fightWhy are scientists so concerned about new coronavirus?Hand sanitizer shortage: Grocery chain slaps limits on products as virus outbreak growsTensions rise as U.S. death toll from coronavirus reaches 9Japan’s Olympic minister says 2020 games ‘could be postponed’Is it safe to open packages from China? Experts debunk coronavirus mythsStocks jump after Fed makes emergency rate cut in response to coronavirusAn NCAA Tournament with empty arenas? It can’t be ruled outCopyright 2020 WLBT. All rights reserved.
Read More
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Feedback

Found the story interesting?

Like us on Facebook to see similar stories


Send MSN Feedback

We appreciate your input!

Please give an overall site rating: