March 4, 2020

AFT has a wide range of up-to-date information, tips and guidance about the coronavirus on its website, aft.org.

CLICK HERE to go to the AFT coronavirus information web page. The web page is updated daily.

On Feb. 11, the World Health Organization announced a new name for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus: COVID-19.

CoronavirusCOVID-19 causes fever and lower respiratory illness—cough and difficulty breathing, resulting in pneumonia. Preliminary information indicates that persons older than 60 and those with underlying illness are at higher risk of severe disease and death, but information is still lacking on the scope of the illness.

While the disease appears to be very infectious, it does not appear to be as deadly as SARS and MERS, earlier corona-type viruses. The CDC has developed a diagnostic test that it will share with domestic and international partners. No vaccine or specific treatment is yet available; care is supportive.