COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a virus in the coronavirus family. Many organizations provide guidance on common symptoms and ways to prevent the spread of the virus. Visit the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The CDC includes information in Español, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean.

The Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 site outlines the phased approach to vaccinations in Oregon, risk level metrics for counties and schools, weekly outbreak and other data, press briefings from Governor Kate Brown and more. The CDC has more information about the vaccine and vaccination process.

The OHA outlines details about Oregon's statewide mask or face covering requirement.

The CDC recommends the following steps to protect yourself and others:

• Wear a mask or other face-covering while out in public, even if you don't think you're sick.
• Practice social distancing. Stay 6 feet away from those outside of your household.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home if you're sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. This includes doorknobs, handles, light switches, phones, and keyboards.

Wearing a mask helps prevent transmission. This is especially true with asymptomatic individuals.

The information around the pandemic can cause stress, anxiety, and worry. Taking care of your mental health is also important. If you are experiencing increasing stress and anxiety and would like to talk to someone, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 541-737-2131.

If think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

The CDC has additional information on What To Do if You Are Sick.

Preventative measures like washing your hands and social distancing help "flatten the curve." Slowing the rate of infection helps the healthcare system from being overloaded.

The Washington Post has an article with helpful visualizations on how diseases spread and how social distancing works.