What are Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses is a common virus family known to cause a range of diseases ranging from common colds to severe pneumonia.

What is the Novel (new) CORONA virus?

This virus is a new type of Coronavirus that has not previously been found in humans. The new virus in the People's Republic of China and is called 2019-nCoV). Other known types of Corona virus include MERS- Coronavirus and SARS-Coronavirus.

What is the current situation of the new Coronavirus (2019-nCOV) ?

The first case of this virus was reported on December 31, 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China. As of January 23, 2020, more than   cases have been reported in Wuhan city and other cities in China. In addition cases were reported outside China in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Macao, the Philippines and the United States. With  17 deaths recorded in Wuhan City. (Please keep following the updates as it become available). All cases outside China has been infected in China.

Can humans be infected with a new coronavirus from an animal source?

Yes, evidence has shown that the new coronavirus infection is caused by contact with animals infected with the virus. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify the animal carrier of the new Coronavirus in China.

What are the symptoms of the new (2019-nCoV)?

The most common symptoms include: fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty of breathing. In the most severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Can the new (2019-nCoV) be transmitted from one person to another?

Yes, the transmission of the new Corona virus from one person to another has been reported and is expected. It probably happens by close contact with an infected person, such as in the context of family, workplace or health-care centers. Also by exposure to surfaces contaminated by the secretion of the infected person.

Are health care workers at risk of contracting the new Corona virus?

Yes, transmissions of infection have been recorded among health-care workers because they are more close to patients than the general public. Health Care Workers are recommended to use appropriate personal infection prevention and control measures.

Is there a vaccine against the new CORONA virus?

No, there is no vaccine. When a new disease appears, no vaccine is available unless it is first manufactured. It may take several years before a vaccine against the virus can be made.

Is there a cure for the new Corona virus?

There is no specific treatment for the disease caused by the new Coronavirus. However, many of its symptoms can be treated, so treatment depends on the patient's clinical condition. Supportive care for people infected can be very effective.

Are there travel restrictions on China or areas where the new Corona virus has appeared?

The World Health Organization does not recommend travel restrictions on the Republic of China or any of the areas where the new Corona virus has appeared (Please keep following the updates as it become available).

What can be done to protect against the new Corona virus?

To reduce risk and prevent the new Corona virus infection, please apply the following procedures:

• Avoid direct contact with animals (live or dead) or presence in animal trading markets in China.

• Avoid direct contact with anyone with symptoms of a cold or respiratory infection.

• Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing with tissue or flexed elbow.

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub.

• Make sure that animal products are cooked well before eating them.

For travelers to areas where the new Corona virus has appeared

Follow the above precautions. In addition, stay at home and avoid crowded places as much as possible, using mask when in a crowded place, and go to the nearest healthcare institution in case of presence of any of the symptoms mentioned.

For those coming from the People's Republic of China

within the past 14 days or if you are in direct contact with a person who has visited China and suffer from chest infection and you have the following symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, diarrhea or vomiting), please visit the airport health control clinic directly or visit the nearest health center while you are in Oman and report your travel history.

Where can I get more information about the new CORONA virus?

 For more information on the new Corona virus (2019 n-COV), please contact the call center on 24441999 and follow information from the Ministry of Health cited in the national press.