1. No evidence of virus transmission through pets

Currently there is no evidence that pets, such as cats and dogs can contract or spread the novel coronavirus. However, for hygiene’s sake, people are encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water after contact with pets.

2. The novel coronavirus can be transmitted by touch

The main route of transmission of the novel coronavirus is via droplets, or physical contact. Chances of contamination are higher if people do not wash their hands after touching objects, as it’s possible they could be infected by rubbing their eyes or scratching their nose and mouth.

Children, the elderly and other people whose immunity is relatively weak can easily infected this way. Disinfecting items and the environment, and washing hands properly are important ways to avoid contact transmission.

3. The novel coronavirus can survive up to 5 days in environments

The activity of the novel coronavirus will decrease significantly after two hours exposure in the air. It can survive about 48 hours in a dry environment. The virus can survive for days in environments where the humidity and temperature are favorable. Research has found the virus can live for five days if the temperature stands at 20 C with humidity at 40 to 50 percent.  

4. People are generally susceptible to the virus, and the incubation period is within 14 days.

Symptoms of the elderly and those with underlying diseases who contract the novel coronavirus are severe than others. Children and infants can also get infected. Based on current epidemiological investigations, the incubation period is generally 3 to 7 days, with a maximum of 14 days.

5. Main clinical symptoms are fever, fatigue and dry cough.

Nasal obstructions, a runny nose and other upper respiratory symptoms are rare. About half of the patients develop difficulty in breathing or dyspnea after one week, and the severe cases develop into ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), septic shock, difficult-to-tackle metabolic acidosis and bleeding and coagulation dysfunction.

6. Some patients don’t have a fever before they get a diagnosed.

It should be noted severe and critical patients can have a moderate to low fever or even no fever. Some patients have mild onset symptoms. These patients may have no fever and recover after one week.