Coronavirus Information

Image of viral pathogen associated with Coronavirus

Additional Resources

New Jersey 211 text bubble

The New Jersey Poison Control Center and 211 have partnered with the state to provide information to the public on COVID-19:

  • Call: 2-1-1
  • Call 24/7: 1-800-962-1253
  • Text: NJCOVID to 898-211
  • Text: Your Zip Code to 898-211 for live text assistance

COVID-19 Background Information:

The CDC updates its website with the latest information and advice for the public: www.cdc.gov/ncov 

Symptoms

Symptoms, which include fever, cough and shortness of breath, may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you have a fever, cough, and other signs of respiratory infection, call your primary care practitioner and continue to monitor your symptoms. If you are in respiratory distress, call 911.

Severity

Reported illnesses have ranged from very mild (including some with no reported symptoms) to severe, including illness resulting in death. Many people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking pain and fever medications. However, some people may develop pneumonia and need medical treatment in a hospital setting. Older people and people of all ages with severe chronic medical conditions (heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, etc.) are at a higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.

Spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and/or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs.

Risk

Some people are at a higher risk of getting very sick from illness, including older adults (65 years and older) and people who have serious chronic medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, extreme obesity, etc.). See for more information on People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19.

Prevention

Prevention is key to managing the spread of the disease at this point. Social distancing is highly recommended. Important prevention steps include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Everyone should wear a face covering when entering medical care facilities, on public transportation, and when entering storefronts where it is requested.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.