By Katie Wolf, Science and Technology Librarian

You are probably aware of the new coronavirus that is spreading throughout the globe. It is most commonly referred to as COVID-19, which is the disease that the virus (named SARS-CoV-2) causes. But what exactly is the situation surrounding the virus and how might it affect Fordham University?

COVID-19 is an upper respiratory disease, and while any one can catch it, it is more likely to seriously affect people with underlying conditions (such as asthma or diabetes) and those over the age of 60. It is thought to spread through respiratory droplets, which occur when people cough or sneeze and spray the virus into their environment. The best way to protect yourself is to practice good personal hygiene (like frequent hand-washing and coughing into your elbow), to avoid those who may be sick, and to self-isolate if you feel you may be getting sick.

At this point, the situation around the virus is being heavily monitored by agencies and groups around the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As scientists study and learn more about the virus, we’ll discover more about how it spreads, how it affects people, and how it can be mitigated. Fordham librarians have created a research guide for infectious diseases to provide up-to-date information on the virus, including where the currently confirmed cases are, CDC and WHO information, as well as the links to the current situation at Fordham University. We will continue to update the guide as more information comes to light about the virus.

If you still have questions, or need help with an entirely different topic, you can always contact a Fordham reference librarian. We’re here to help!