COVID-19 update

At press time, COVID-19 infections had been confirmed in 213 countries and territories, with more than 6.2 million cases and, of those, more than 373,000 deaths. A rise in newly reported cases occurred in some countries that had eased quarantine restrictions, including Germany, South Korea and China, leading to fears of a second wave of cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the number of COVID-19 cases reported worldwide on May 19 — more than 106,000 — was the highest reported in a 24-hour period during the pandemic. According to WHO, two-thirds of those 106,000 cases originated in only four countries, but it did not specify which countries. At press time, the US, Brazil, Russia and the UK, in that order, had the most confirmed cases overall.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, a dry cough and shortness of breath. Most cases are mild, with people recovering at home, but anyone experiencing a high fever, difficulty breathing or chest pains should seek medical attention. 

If you are planning to visit your medical provider because you have COVID-19 symptoms, it is important to let them know ahead of time so  they can prepare to receive you safely.