InfoGuides: NENG 232 Bridge to College English II (COVID-19) (Ide): What is COVID-19? Links

Last Updated: Jul 2, 2025 2:34 PM

What is COVID-19? Links

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus in the coronavirus family. Other coronaviruses have caused outbreaks of diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide.

Q&A on Coronaviruses - WHO
Questions and answers from the World Health Organization.
University of Rochester Medical Center-Deaf and HH Resources
Dr. Fauci
Coronavirus Infections - MedlinePlus
Coronavirus information written for consumers.
NY Health Department
Monroe County Health Department
RIT COVID-19 Dashboard
John Hopkins Center for Health Security - COVID-19
Updates on the emerging novel coronavirus from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
Answering 20 Questions about COVID-19
YouTube video. During this special webinar from CDC EPIC, Dr. Jay Butler shared the current state of the outbreak, what CDC is doing to respond to the outbreak, and how partners, organizations, and the public can help.

Important Facts

From the WHO advice for the Public: Myth busters:

COVID-19 can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including with hot and humid weather.
Cold weather and snow cannot kill the virus.
Taking a hot bath does not prevent the disease.
The new coronavirus cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.
Hand dryers are not effective at killing the coronavirus. You should wash your hands.
Flu vaccines and pneumonia vaccines do not protect you from the coronavirus.
People of all ages can be infected with the coronavirus.
To date there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the virus. Treatment can relieve symptoms, but not the virus itself.

COVID Hotline for Deaf and HH

Connect Direct, Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc., and CSD Neighborhood are operating a Coronavirus/COVID-19 Hotline for the Deaf Community.

Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (CST).

There are several ways to access the hotline:

Visit CSD.org and click ASL Now
Call VP: 833-682-7630
Go to csd.org/coronavirus

Social Distancing

What is Social Distancing?

Social distancing is a way to keep people from interacting closely or frequently enough to spread an infectious disease. Schools and other gathering places such as movie theaters may close, and sports events and religious services may be cancelled.

What is Quarantine?

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. It lasts long enough to ensure the person has not contracted an infectious disease.

What is Isolation?

Isolation prevents the spread of an infections disease by separating people who are sick from those who are not. It lasts as long as the disease is contagious.

Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation
Defines social distancing and offers tips.

Deaf and HH Resources from the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses

We’ve compiled a list of resources related to COVID-19 that are available for and accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.This list is by no means exhaustive. If there are any more resources, please let us know by emailing us at admin@amphl.org.