The name of the new virus is SARS-CoV-2. It is a member of the Coronavirus family. The name of the disease it causes is COVID-19.
This is a simple page of useful resources to help find the info you need without adding too much to your no doubt overloaded psyche.
I’d be very grateful to receive your suggestions for additional useful content, and for pointing out any mistakes or issues.
NHS & Gov.uk
You probably know all this, but here is the latest official NHS guidance: Advice for everyone – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Worried about possible symptoms? Answer a series of simple questions online and receive advice: Check if you have coronavirus symptoms
Check your regular medication, for example Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for any COVID-19 related info and guidance.
Menu of COVID-19 topics, including employment, schools, public services, transport, housing and more: gov.uk/coronavirus
Newest official guidance: Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)
Latest Gov.uk Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: What you can and can’t do
London Assembly info and advice for non-UK nationals: healthcare, immigration, travel, and more.
Facts & Fictions
ECDC is closely monitoring this outbreak, providing data, maps, guidance, and advice: Latest news & overview.
BBC Reality Check: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/reality_check Latest Coronavirus updates here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers
Full Fact COVID-19: https://fullfact.org/health/coronavirus/ “Bad information ruins lives. In situations like this, it can cause unnecessary fear and—most importantly—may lead people to ignore important advice about symptoms or avoiding infection.”
Infotagion Fact Checking: https://infotagion.com/ Independent, fact-checking service for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Sourced from WHO, UK and other official government advice.
Poynter: https://www.poynter.org/ifcn-covid-19-misinformation/ Including tips and tools for the public and for journalists.
Science!
Coronaviruses were first discovered in the 1930s with an acute respiratory infection of domesticated chickens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus
The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 has sufficient affinity to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors of human cells to use them as a mechanism of cell entry: SARS_coronavirus_2
When Coronavirus’ RNA genome first enters a cell, it interacts with the host’s protein-making machinery, using it to make proteins that can copy RNA molecules. These RNA-copying proteins, called “polymerases,” make an enticing target for therapies: The biology of an effective therapy
Useful forum on Reddit, the COVID-19 subreddit seeks to facilitate scientific discussion of this potential global public health threat: r/COVID-19
There’s a more general subreddit which seeks to monitor the spread of COVID-19 from multiple sources: r/Coronavirus.
More content will be added as and when. Please submit your suggestions!