The Pandemic and 2020

It’s the first quarter of 2020 and things have gotten dangerous for the whole world. A coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 (formerly know as 2019-nCoV) has been spreading around the globe at an alarming rate. This virus has been causing the COVID-19 disease among humans who happen to contract the virus. So far, work is still being done to create a vaccine for this disease. It may take several months before a viable vaccine arrives.

Several countries have initiated lockdowns and mitigation procedures based on recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and their respective public health agencies. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information and news on the situation.

As for you and me, let us not panic but follow safety procedures. Keep informed of the latest news on this pandemic (note that WHO declared this as a pandemic on March 11, 2020).

Beware of phishing emails and scams circulating on the internet. There are unscrupulous people out there taking advantage of this situation.

Be safe everyone and keep calm.

[Note: A good and updated comprehensive guide has also been posted on Ars Technica: https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/03/dont-panic-the-comprehensive-ars-technica-guide-to-the-coronavirus/]