What is coronavirus?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that affects the respiratory system. It was identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and is part of a family of viruses which range from the common cold to more serious infections like SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).

We are still learning about the virus, but it is thought to primarily spread through respiratory droplets transmitted by coughing, sneezing or through saliva and nasal discharge.