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To get you started, we have prepared here a few resources that you can use to understand current results of research and inform your group.

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Although there are hundreds of known coronaviruses, only seven of them are known to infect humans, each with varying symptoms. While characteristics of the latest Covid-19 virus make it very successful at infecting humans, there are also traits that may allow us to better control it.

The coronavirus is here to stay. How can we prevent getting infected? Watch this in a Nutshell lesson:
The Coronavirus Explained & What You Should Do. You should now have an even better awareness of how to potentially protect yourself against infection.

The Center for Disease Control is always an fantastic place to start when you want to find out information on a disease or emerging worldwide health trend. Click here and find out more information on COVID-19.

John Hopkins Medicine has a coronavirus site based on the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit it to find out symptoms, ways to avoid infection, and how it has spread worldwide.

Wondering about the effectiveness of vaccines? Watch this TED Ed lesson: Why do we need to get a flu shot every year?

Effective handwashing can actually prevent the spread of viruses. What does that mean? Watch these videos from the Center for Disease control.

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For almost a decade, scientists chased the source of a deadly new virus through China's tallest mountains and most isolated caverns. They finally found it in the bats of Shitou Cave. The virus in question was a coronavirus that caused an epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, in 2003.

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Dr. Tom Crawford

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Oxford Mathematician explains Exponential Growth for COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

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Lora Jones, Daniele Palumbo & David Brown BBC News

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Coronavirus: How the pandemic has changed the world economy

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Key maps and charts explain how the virus has impacted markets and businesses around the world.

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The coronavirus explained and how you can combat it

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The coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic is impacting every nation on Earth. Whether it is the deadly nature and rapid transmission of this new virus or the life-changing economic impacts being felt around the world, we are being called into action to cure a new disease and to reconsider how we as humans interact.

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< Back to UNICEF COVID-19 portal

What is a 'novel' coronavirus?

A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus.

The disease caused by the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - 'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for virus, and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as '2019 novel coronavirus' or '2019-nCoV.'

The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal.

These symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19. This is why testing is required to confirm if someone has COVID-19. It's important to remember that key prevention measures are the same - frequent hand washing, and respiratory hygiene (cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue into a closed bin). Also, there is a vaccine for the flu - so remember to keep yourself and your child up to date with vaccinations.

How does the COVID-19 virus spread?

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing), and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for a few hours to several days, but simple disinfectants can kill it. Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets, rather than through the air.

Characterizing COVID-19 as a pandemic is not an indication that the virus has become deadlier. Rather, it's an acknowledgement of the disease's geographical spread.

UNICEF has been responding to the epidemic of COVID-19 around the world, knowing that the virus could spread to children and families in any country or community. UNICEF will continue working with governments and our partners to stop transmission of the virus, and to keep children and their families safe.

How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

Here are some precautions you and your family can take to help avoid infection:

What is the best way to wash hands properly?

Step 1: Wet hands with running water

Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands

Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands - including back of hands, between fingers and under nails - for at least 20 seconds.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water

Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel

Wash your hands often, especially before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; and going to the bathroom.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water, if hands are visibly dirty.

Should I wear a medical mask?

The use of a medical mask is advised if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) to protect others, or if you are caring for someone who may have COVID-19.

If masks are worn, they must be used and disposed of properly to ensure their effectiveness and to avoid any increased risk of transmitting the virus. Disposable face masks can only be used once.

The use of a mask alone is not enough to stop infections and must be combined with frequent hand washing, covering sneezes and coughs, and avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms (coughing, sneezing, fever).

Does COVID-19 affect children?

This is a new virus and we are still learning how it affects children or pregnant women. We know it is possible for people of any age to be infected and transmit the virus, although older people and/or those with pre-existing medical conditions seem more likely to develop serious illness.

There are reports of a rare but serious multisystem inflammatory syndrome affecting children and adolescents, possibly associated with COVID-19. Clinical features can include but are not limited to: persistent fever; rash; red or pink eyes; swollen and/or red lips, tongue, hands, feet; gastrointestinal problems; low blood pressure; poor blood flow to organs; and other signs of inflammation.

Many of these children have tested positive for COVID-19. However, it is not known for sure whether COVID-19 infection is triggering this condition. So far, these cases have been reported mostly in North America and Europe. We do not know yet whether the condition is present in other parts of the world and just not yet recognized.

Children who have these symptoms should seek medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical, but initial reports suggest most cases responded well to anti-inflammatory treatment.

Children may be disproportionately affected by measures taken to control the COVID-19 outbreak, such as school closures and physical distancing measures. Special attention needs to be paid to prevent and minimize negative consequences for children as much as possible.

What should I do if my child has symptoms of COVID-19?

Seek medical attention, but remember symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or fever can be similar to those of the flu, or the common cold - which are a lot more frequent.

Continue to follow good hand and respiratory hygiene practices like regular handwashing, and keep your child up to date with vaccinations - so that your child is protected against other viruses and bacteria causing diseases.

As with other respiratory infections like the flu, seek care early if you or your child are having symptoms, and try to avoid going to public places (workplace, schools, public transport), to prevent it spreading to others.

What should I do if a family member displays symptoms?

You should seek medical care early if you or your child has a fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Consider calling ahead to tell your health care provider if you have traveled to an area where COVID-19 has been reported, or if you have been in close contact with someone with who has traveled from one of these areas and has respiratory symptoms.

Should I take my child out of school?

If your child shows symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical care, and follow the instructions from the health care provider. Otherwise, as with other respiratory infections like the flu, keep your child well rested at home while symptomatic, and avoid going to public places, to prevent spread to others.

When possible, it's best to keep your child in class. However, it is important to follow the guidance of your local and national authorities. If national and/or local authorities have suspended classes, follow school and other official guidance on how to best ensure your children can continue with their education. It's also important to ensure appropriate supervision for children who are out of school, to allow for continued education and also for their protection - from COVID-19, but also other potential threats they may face when left unsupervised.

If your child is staying at home because of school closures, continue teaching him or her good hand and respiratory hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing, covering coughs or sneezes with a flexed elbow or tissue, then throwing away the tissue into a closed bin, not touching their eyes, mouths or noses if they haven't properly washed their hands (click here for tips on proper handwashing), and avoiding close contact with anyone with cold/flu-like symptoms.

What precautions should I take for my family if we travel?

Anyone planning a trip should always follow local and national guidance on whether it is advisable to travel. Those traveling should check the advisory for their destination for any restrictions on entry, quarantine requirements on entry, or other relevant travel advice. Follow the same personal protection measures during travel as you would at home.

In addition to taking standard travel precautions, and in order to avoid being quarantined or denied re-entry into your home country, you are also advised to check the latest COVID-19 update on the International Air Transport Association website, which includes a list of countries and restriction measures.

While traveling, all parents should follow standard hygiene measures for themselves and their children: Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol, practice good respiratory hygiene (cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze and immediately dispose of the used tissue) and avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing or sneezing. In addition, it is recommended that parents always carry a hand sanitizer, pack of disposable tissues, and disinfecting wipes.

Additional recommendations include: Clean your seat, armrest, touchscreen, etc. with a disinfecting wipe once inside an aircraft or other vehicle. Also use a disinfecting wipe to clean key surfaces, doorknobs, remote controls, etc at the hotel or other accommodation where you and your children are staying.

Can pregnant women pass coronavirus to unborn children?

At this time, there is not enough evidence to determine whether the virus is transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, or the potential impact this may have on the baby. This is currently being investigated. Pregnant women should continue to follow appropriate precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the virus, and seek medical care early, if experiencing symptoms, such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

Is it safe for a mother to breastfeed if she is infected with coronavirus?

All mothers in affected and at-risk areas who have symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing, should seek medical care early, and follow instructions from a health care provider.

Considering the benefits of breastfeeding and the insignificant role of breastmilk in the transmission of other respiratory viruses, the mother can continue breastfeeding, while applying all the necessary precautions.

Transmission of active COVID-19 (virus that can cause infection) through breast milk and breastfeeding has not been detected to date. There is no reason to avoid or stop breastfeeding. Breastfeeding boosts the child's immune system, and the mother's antibodies are passed on to the child
through breast milk, helping the child fight infections.

For symptomatic mothers well enough to breastfeed, this includes wearing a mask when near a child (including during feeding), washing hands before and after contact with the child (including feeding), and cleaning/disinfecting surfaces they have touched - as should be done in all cases where anyone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 interacts with others, including children.

If a mother is too ill, she should be encouraged to express milk and give it to the child via a clean cup and/or spoon - all while following the same infection prevention methods.

I'm worried about bullying, discrimination and stigmatization. What's the best way to talk about what's happening?

It's understandable if you're feeling worried about the coronavirus. But fear and stigma make a difficult situation worse. For example, there are reports emerging from around the world of individuals, particularly of Asian descent, being subject to verbal or even physical abuse.

Public health emergencies are stressful times for everyone affected. It's important to stay informed and to be kind and supportive to each other. Words matter, and using language that perpetuates existing stereotypes can drive people away from getting tested and taking the actions they need to protect themselves and their communities.

Here are some do's and don'ts for how to talk about the coronavirus with your children, family and friends:

DO: talk about the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

DON'T: attach locations or ethnicity to the disease. Remember, viruses can't target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial backgrounds.

DO: talk about "people who have COVID-19", "people who are being treated for COVID-19", "people who are recovering from COVID-19" or "people who died after contracting COVID-19"

DON'T: refer to people with the disease as "COVID-19 cases" or "victims"

DO: talk about people "acquiring" or "contracting" COVID-19

DON'T: talk about people "transmitting COVID-19" "infecting others" or "spreading the virus" as it implies intentional transmission and assigns blame.

DO: speak accurately about the risk from COVID-19, based on scientific data and latest official health advice

DON'T: repeat or share unconfirmed rumours, and avoid using hyperbolic language designed to generate fear like "plague", "apocalypse" etc.

DO: talk positively and emphasise the importance of effective prevention measures, including following our tips on handwashing. For most people this is a disease they can overcome. There are simple steps we can all take to keep ourselves, our loved ones and the most vulnerable safe.

What is UNICEF doing to help?

UNICEF is working with the World Health Organization, governments and partners to equip children, pregnant women and their families with the information they need to know on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes the development of online training modules for health workers, and FAQs and guidance for parents, pregnant women and children.

UNICEF is also tackling misinformation about the virus by working with online partners like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok to make sure that accurate advice is available.
Read more about UNICEF's appeal
< Back to UNICEF COVID-19 portal

< Back to UNICEF Parenting COVID-19 guide for parents
For more information on COVID-19 see the WHO website

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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): What parents should know

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Back to UNICEF COVID-19 portal A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus. The disease caused by the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - 'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for virus, and 'D' for disease.

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The gallery is a virtual space where each groups' results are shown. There are no restrictions. Present your findings in an interview, a poster, a podcast, a video, a blog etc.
Add your presentation by clicking on the "+" field below.

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Prepare for the presentation of outcomes. Ensure that the specialists in your team work together so that results and findings inspire a more holistic view to the problem.

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Organise with whom, on what, how, when and with what tools you will work.
1. Kick-off: Group yourself into teams of 4, consisting of: i. Journalist; ii. Biologist; iii. Mathematician; iv. Economist.
2. Assign focus areas and roles to people. Define your target audience. Agree on your meeting schedule.
3. Develop a sharing platform for your group on this padlet.
4. Meet with your various specialist teams to collect facts and prepare for sharing your findings.
5. Discuss various recommen-dations and summarise your groups' - perhaps controversial- opinion on the way forward.
6. Prepare for a presentation. Define your audience, media and tools.

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... work together in teams with various focus areas. To tackle this crisis, they have to stay close to the facts and learn from scientists. With these learnings, they help their audience to understand what's going on and form an opinion. Your task is to gather as a team of generalists and specialists to formulate your findings from research, views and recommendations for further proceeding.

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... from all over the world and different functions work closely together. Their mother tongues do not matter at this point - as their working language is English. Diversity is key. The best scientists with elevated skills collaborate and challenge their findings to hone their results. Put yourself into their shoes and work in one of those diverse teams on an assessment of current findings and recommendations for further proceeding.