Coronaviruses are large group of viruses that cause illness in humans and animals. Rarely,animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people suchas has been seen with MERS and SARS. The outbreak of Novel coronavirus disease(COVID-19) was initially noticed in a seafood market in Wuhan city in Hubei Province of China in mid-December, 2019, has now spread to 214 countries/territories/areasworldwide. WHO (under International Health Regulations) has declared this outbreak as a“Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC) on 30thJanuary 2020. WHOsubsequently declared COVID-19 a pandemic on 11th March, 2020.

Current available evidence for COVID-19 suggests that the causative virus (SARS-CoV-2) has a zoonotic source closely related to bat-origin SARS-like coronavirus. It is an enveloped RNA beta coronavirus related to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus, and the virus has been shown to use the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for cell entry.

The persons infected by the novel coronavirus are the main source of infection. Direct person-to-person transmission occurs through close contact, mainly through respiratory droplets that are released when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets may also land on surfaces, where the virus remains viable. Infection can also occur if a person touches an infected surface and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Current available evidence for COVID-19 suggests that the causative virus (SARS-CoV-2) has a zoonotic source closely related to bat-origin SARS-like coronavirus. It is an enveloped RNA beta coronavirus related to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus, and the virus has been shown to use the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for cell entry.

Management of Mild Cases
In the containment phase, patients with suspected or confirmed mild COVID-19 are beingisolated to break the chain of transmission. Patients with mild disease may present toprimary care/outpatient department, or detected during community outreach activities,such as home visits or by telemedicine.

Management of Moderate Cases
Patients with suspected or confirmed moderate COVID-19 (pneumonia) is to be isolated to contain virus transmission. Patients with moderate disease may present to an emergency unit or primary care/outpatient department, or be encountered during community surveillance activities, such as active house to house search or by telemedicine.