WHAT WE KNOW

The World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global emergency.

The new coronavirus has now infected 11,978 people in 19 countries. It’s killed 259.

There haven’t been any deaths outside of China.

In Australia, 12 people have been confirmed to have the virus. None are in the

Northern Territory.

The coronavirus is being spread by “droplets” and it is not an airborne disease like measles. The droplets settle about 1m away, unlike airborne viruses that can travel further distances. They are spread when people cough or sneeze.

People are unlikely to contract the virus via casual contact.

There is a possibility that people can transmit this virus before they become symptomatic.

Experts stress masks should only be used by people who are already sick or by health professionals when doing things like taking swabs from sick patients.