Coronaviruses are nothing new. However, COVID-19 is not something that has been diagnosed before Dec. 31, 2019.

Cases have been diagnosed all over the globe now including Kentucky.

For about 80 percent of the population the symptoms can be mild like a regular cold or similar to the flu.

Individuals may recover from their illness and not even know that they had COVID-19.

For the elderly and individuals with other underlying health issues such as heart, lung and kidney disease, COVID-19 can be very serious.

Without a vaccine or treatment for this new infection, the goal is prevention.

As with all infection prevention efforts, frequent and correctly done hand washing is our main tool.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds vigorously with soap and water.

Wash frequently and when no soap or water is available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used. Rub hands together until they are dry.

Other measures include keeping hands away from your face, coughing or sneezing into a tissue. If one is not available, cough or sneeze into your arm.

For general questions please use Kentucky’s COVID-19 hotline: 1-800-722-5725 or visit kycovid19.ky.gov for more information.