Corona virus disease 2019 (covid-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2. The first case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It has since spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic. The virus that causes covid-19 spreads mainly when an infected person is in close contact with another person. Small droplets and aerosols containing the virus can spread from an infected person’s nose and mouth as they breathe, cough, sneeze, sing or speak. Other people are infected if the virus gets into their mouth, nose or eyes. The virus may also spread via contaminated surfaces, although this is not thought to be the main route of transmission.