Now that the coronavirus is officially a pandemic, WPTV has a comprehensive list of everything you need to know to protect yourself and family.
What is the coronavirus?
COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The new coronavirus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
How do I know if I have the coronavirus?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a detailed explanation of the symptoms, including cough, fever and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure.
How do I protect myself?
Most of it is common sense, but there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. This includes washing your hands and avoiding close contact with others who are sick. The CDC has a list of steps to prevent illness.
What do I do if I suspect I am sick with the coronavirus?
If you think you've been exposed, contact your healthcare provider immediately and follow the CDC steps to help prevent the disease from spreading. That includes staying home and staying away from others.
What do I do if I'm traveling?
The CDC has established geographic risk-stratification criteria for travel.
Coronavirus cases nationwide
So far, there are more than 3,000 confirmed and presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in the U.S. since Jan. 21.
Of those cases, 68 deaths have been reported.
A total of 498 states, along with the District of Columbia, have reported cases. West Virginia is the only state that has yet to report a confirmed case.
Coronavirus cases statewide
So far, more than 100 Florida residents have tested positive for coronavirus, including eight in Palm Beach County. There have also been four deaths.
There are no confirmed cases on the Treasure Coast.
Florida Department of Health local contact information
The Florida Department of Health is the agency responsible for disseminating information about the coronavirus throughout the state.
- Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County
800 Clematis St.West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-840-4500
- Florida Department of Health in Martin County
3441 SE Willoughby Blvd.Stuart, FL 34994
772-221-4000
- Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County
5150 NW Milner DrivePort St. Lucie, FL 34983
772-462-3800
- Florida Department of Health in Indian River County
1900 27th St.Vero Beach, FL 32960
772-794-7400
- Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County
1728 NW Ninth Ave.Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-462-5800