Coronavirus is commonly spread via infected vapour droplets entering healthy individuals through inhalation, or through individuals touching contaminated surfaces or individuals touching their mouths, eyes or nose.

PPE precautions for any individual who may be treating a suspected 2019-nCoV, who are in close proximity and at risk of infected vapour droplets (especially when performing aerosol generating procedures such as suction, airway management, intubation, CPR) include:

Gloves, long-sleeved gowns, eye protection, and fit-tested particulate respirators.

The 2019-nCoV is still early in its’ discovery and further data is being collated with increasing infection rate and death toll). As comparison, the SARS Coronavirus had an average mortality rate of 14-15%, with a 50% rate in patients over 65. MERS Coronavirus had an average death rate of 34.4%.