In the weeks since its discovery, the coronavirus from Wuhan, China has caused many countries to take action in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
China’s National Health Commission is reporting there are now over 7,000 reported cases of the coronavirus.
The city of Wuhan has been under quarantine since January 23.
The Commission has also reported over 12,000 suspected cases of the virus in several Chinese provinces.
Cases of the virus have been reported in many countries across the world, including Canada and the United States.
Three confirmed cases of the coronavirus have been found in Canada.
All of the cases of the coronavirus in Canada are linked to people travelling to China.
Two of these cases of the virus are in Ontario, while the third is in British Columbia.
There are also approximately 23 suspected cases of the coronavirus in Ontario.
However, all of the known and suspected patients in Canada are in stable condition.
Authorities are reassuring the public that the coronavirus has a low risk of being passed onto other people.
The World Health Organization will soon decide whether or not to declare a global emergency based on the impact of the virus.
In the meantime, Air Canada has announced that it was ending all flights from Toronto to China and Montreal to China.
Ottawa suggests avoiding travel to China because of how widespread the virus has become. Most cases are located in the Hubei province, around the city of Wuhan.
The news of a new, possibly dangerous disease is making some students think about how to stay safe.
“I think if it’s caught early enough, you’re fine,” said Sheridan student, Morgan Conquergood.
“I’ve been carrying hand sanitizer everywhere and constantly washing my hands,” she added.
Experts at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention say the best way to avoid possible infection is to wash your hands often with soap, avoid touching your face and eyes with unwashed hands.
Using alcohol-based sanitizers with at least sixty percent alcohol, and avoiding known infected people, and wearing protective face masks are also recommended.
Common signs of the virus include breathing problems, fever, shortness of breath.
In some cases, the virus can cause pneumonia.
There is currently no vaccine for the new coronavirus.
The cases of coronavirus that are showing up outside of China are a reason for concern.
However, the spread of the virus is expected. But, so far, it has not been a major cause for alarm here.
