What You Need to Know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available.

CDC is working across the Department of Health and Human Services and across the U.S. government in the public health response to COVID-19. Much is unknown about how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads. Current knowledge is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people, such as with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person in China and some limited person-to-person transmission has been reported in countries outside China, including the United States. However, respiratory illnesses like seasonal influenza, are currently widespread in many US communities.

CDC COVID 19: What To Do

• COVID-19 Website
• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• What You Need to Know About COVID-19
• What to Do If You Are Sick With COVID-19
• Health Alert Network
• Travelers’ Health Website
• Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Small Business International Travel Resource Travel Planner
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 Recommendations for Ships