The COVID-19 virus, formally known as 2019 novel coronavirus, was first identified in China in December of 2019. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) as of February 20, 2020 there have been 75,748 confirmed cases globally. The United States has 26 confirmed cases. Two of the 26 US cases are from close contact with someone who has the COVID-19 virus and 11 of them are from the passengers who were brought from the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Of the 13 passengers brought to Omaha from the cruise ship, 10 of them are in the National Quarantine Unit and 3 are in the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit.
    “We have received questions regarding the COVID-19 virus,” states Kathie Skeen, Emergency Planning Coordinator for Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD). “Understanding that our residents are concerned, we would like to share the responses to some of the most common concerns.”
    Frequent COVID-19 questions include:
    How does the virus spread?
    •Coronaviruses generally spread much like the flu does. It is spread by respiratory droplets generated when a sick person coughs or sneezes, which is why it is so important to cover your nose and mouth with either a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.

To read the full storyy, subscribe to the e-edition online or call the Breeze at 308-394-5389 to subscribe to the print edition.