COVID-19 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How does COVID-19 spread?
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person
to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with
COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person.
Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their
eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person
with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than
1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.
2. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients
may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These
symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t
develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the
disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19
becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying
medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to
develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical
attention.
3. How do I know if it is COVID-19 or just the common flu?
A COVID-19 infection has the same signs and symptoms as the common cold and you can only
differentiate them through laboratory testing to determine the virus type. If you have fever, cough
and difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention and immediately isolate yourself from
others. Call your local UN clinic/medical facility to inform them of your condition and relevant
travel/exposure history. If you had been identified as a close contact of a case by the local
Ministry of Health or WHO, please also indicate this. From here you will be advised if a medical
assessment is necessary and how to get tested.
4. Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be transmitted through the air?
Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through
contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air. See previous answer on “How
does COVID-19 spread?”
5. What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?
Protection measures for everyone
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website
and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world
have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some
other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is
unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple
precautions:
• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them
with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based
hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
• Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or
sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from
their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the
droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up
viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From
there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means
covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following
good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu
and COVID-19.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek
medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the
situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly
direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of
viruses and other infections.
• Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is
spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older
person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease. Why? You have a higher chance of catching
COVID-19 in one of these areas.
6. I am well and asymptomatic. Should I use a mask?
According to the WHO, for individuals without respiratory symptoms, a medical mask is not
required, as no evidence is available on its usefulness to protect non-sick persons.
However, masks might be worn in some countries according to local cultural habits. If masks are
used, best practices should be followed on how to wear, remove, and dispose of them and on
hand hygiene action after removal. For more information, visit the WHO guidance on use of
masks in the community.
7. How likely am I to catch COVID-19?
The risk depends on where you are - and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19
outbreak unfolding there.
For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are
now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living
in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health
authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to
comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings. Cooperating with
disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.
COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been shown in China
and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can emerge rapidly. It’s important to
be aware of the situation where you are or intend to go. WHO publishes daily updates on the
COVID-19 situation worldwide.
You can see these at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-
2019/situation-reports/
8. Are pregnant women more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus and will it harm the
fetus?
We do not have information from published scientific reports about the susceptibility of
pregnant women to COVID-19. Pregnant women experience immunologic and physiologic
changes, which might make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including
COVID-19.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly by close contact with an infected
person through respiratory droplets. Whether a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can transmit
the virus that causes COVID-19 to her fetus or neonate by other routes of vertical transmission
(before, during, or after delivery) is still unknown.
9. What is the risk of my child becoming sick with COVID-19?
Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than
adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of
the known cases to date. You can learn more about who is most at risk for health problems if
they have COVID-19 infection on CDC’s current Risk Assessment page.
10. Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?
No. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with
confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in
children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and
diarrhea have also been reported. It’s not known yet whether some children may be at higher
risk for severe illness, for example, children with underlying medical conditions and special
healthcare needs. There is much more to be learned about how the disease impacts children.
11. Should I worry about COVID-19?
Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults.
However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care.
It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect
them and their loved ones.
We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our
communities. First and foremost, among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing
and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health
authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.
12. Who is at risk of developing severe illness?
While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons
with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease,
cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.
13. Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?
While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons
with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease,
cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.
14. Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?
While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate
symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the
disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as
a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include
both western and traditional medicines.
15. Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?
Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat
COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with
serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.
Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being
tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to
prevent and treat COVID-19.
The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean
your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at
least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. (See Basic protective measures
against the new coronavirus).
16. Should I wear a mask to protect myself from catching the COVID-19 virus?
Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after
someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not
ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide
shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.
WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources
and mis-use of masks (see Advice on the use of masks).
The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean
your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at
least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. See basic protective measures
against the new coronavirus for more information.
17. Until when should I wear a mask after recovering from an illness with respiratory
symptoms?
In order to avoid infecting others, you should use a mask for as long as you are still coughing or
sneezing. You should only stop after a complete recovery (which means 24-48 hours after having
no symptoms without medication).
18. I am looking after someone who is ill with suspect or confirmed COVID-19. What
precautions should I take?
• You should limit the movement around the house of the individual who is ill and
minimize shared space.
• Ensure shared spaces like bathrooms, and the kitchen are well ventilated. One way to
do this is by keeping the windows open. Clean and disinfect the bathroom and toilet
surface at least once a day using regular household soap or detergent for cleaning and
then disinfecting with a regular household disinfectant containing 0.5% sodium
hypochlorite.
• Do not forget the importance of hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand-rub or soap and
water (if hands are visibly soiled).
• Whenever possible, household members should stay in a different room or maintain a
distance of at least 1 meter from the ill person.
• When helping care for the sick individual, wear a tightly fitted medical/surgical mask
that covers your nose and mouth when in the same room as the affected individual.
Make sure you are careful not to touch your mask. If your mask gets wet or dirty, it
should be replaced. When removing a mask, it is important to throw it away and
perform hand hygiene. Dispose of any material with respiratory secretions immediately
after use.
• Both the ill individual and you, as the caregiver, should perform hand hygiene after
contact with respiratory secretions.
19. How long is the incubation and transmission period for COVID-19?
The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have
symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-
14 days, most commonly around five days.
20. Can humans become infected with the COVID-19 from an animal source?
Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed. To protect yourself, such as
when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with
animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs
with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked
animal products.
21. How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to
behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary
information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several
days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of
the environment).
If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and
protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them
with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
22. How can I get tested for COVID-19?
If you are well, no testing is recommended. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you
should immediately isolate yourself from others. Call your local UN clinic/medical facility to
inform them of your condition and relevant travel/exposure history. If you had been identified
as a close contact of a case by the local Ministry of Health or WHO, please also indicate this.
From here you will be advised if a medical assessment is necessary and how to get tested.
23. What alternatives do I have if there are no hand sanitizers available? Can I use other
alcohol like ethyl or liquor?
If hand sanitizers are not available, hand washing with soap and water is the recommended, and
even better, alternative. Liquor is not effective against coronavirus. For an alcohol-based hand
rub to be effective, it must have an alcohol content of 60% to 95%.
24. Can people who recover from COVID-19 be infected again?
We know that for similar coronaviruses, infected people are unlikely to be re-infected shortly
after they recover. However, because the immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood,
it is not yet known whether similar immune protection will be observed for patients who have
recovered from COVID-19.
25. Is it safe to receive a package from an area where COVID-19 has been reported?
Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of
catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and
exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.
26. Is there a connection between COVID -19 and environment temperature?
It is not known yet if weather and temperature changes impact or has any connection with
COVID-19. At this time, it is not clear or known if the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when the
weather becomes warmer.
27. Can I catch the virus from being in an enclosed space (i.e. bus, subway) in close
proximity to someone who doesn’t have respiratory symptoms?
Since the virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, the risk of catching it from somebody
who is asymptomatic, even a contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, is low. However, in light of
the pandemic, everyone should maintain social distancing, which means keeping at least 1
meter away from others, avoiding mass gatherings and areas with large numbers of people, and
practicing frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing according to the recommendation.
28. Should I start avoiding people of Asian descent and their businesses?
The virus can affect anyone regardless of nationality, race and color. The Organization will not
tolerate discrimination and encourages everyone to promote culturally appropriate and
empathetic community engagement and to detect and rapidly respond to negative public
perceptions and counter misinformation.
29. When should we identify ourselves as "being sick" and stay at home?
Although a fever is a sure sign that you are sick enough not to come to work, anyone
experiencing respiratory symptoms like coughing and sneezing should stay at home.
30. My colleague is sick but he/she insists that it is just the common cold and is reluctant
to work from home. What steps can we take to enforce “staying at home when not
well” amongst staff?
While it is very likely that your colleague is only suffering from the common cold or flu, all
precautions should, nevertheless, be taken. Managers should encourage staff members with flu
symptoms to telecommute for some time until the symptoms have abated. Alternatively, if the
staff member is feeling unfit, he/she should take sick leave. This is a sensible approach at any
time to prevent the spreading of flu or other seasonal viruses. Supervisors are also encouraged
to exercise flexibility in terms of using remote working arrangements if the staff member would
like to limit their contact with others and work from home.
31. What can we do if we don’t have any hand sanitizers in the office building?
You should contact the Facilities Management Service of your local UN duty station,
organization or the building administration.
32. What is the process for evaluating the criticality of official travels and meetings?
UN Medical Directors recommend that UN managers and/or UN personnel undertake a risk
assessment to evaluate the criticality of the proposed travel balanced against the risks to the
traveler for any travel to or meetings in affected areas experiencing ongoing transmission of
COVID-19.
33. Does the UN have any specific guidelines for meeting / mass gathering organizers and
participants during the COVID-19 outbreak?
• For meetings during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Division of Healthcare Management and
Occupational Safety and Health (DHMOSH) has prepared the following guidelines for
meeting organizers and participants which are available in the UN HR portal. UN offices
should use these global guidelines to develop local ones in accordance with host country
legislation.
• The WHO has also released an interim guidance with key planning recommendations for
mass gatherings in the context of the current COVID-19 outbreak.
34. I plan to travel to / have a meeting in countries or territories currently experiencing
local transmission of COVID-19. Should I cancel this travel/meeting?
• While the WHO does not recommend and advises against the application of any travel
restrictions based on the information currently available on COVID-19, as an occupational
health measure, it is recommended that for all official travel, UN managers and/or UN
personnel undertake a risk assessment to evaluate the criticality of the proposed travel
balanced against the risks to the traveler for any travel to or meetings in affected areas
experiencing ongoing transmission of COVID-19. This includes risks posed by both medical
issues and evolving travel/border restrictions enacted by states parties.
• Please be aware that local authorities may begin to implement travel restrictions and health
screening measures for travelers entering or exiting the country. All UN personnel who are
planning to travel should check with the destination countries’ embassy, consulate, or
Ministry of Health and keep up to date with local health advice before and during your
travel. You should also comply with any screening measures put in place by local authorities.
• As the outbreak evolves, it can be difficult to predict the situation globally, and it would be
prudent to make contingency arrangements should the need arise. Feel free to consult us
further at dos-dhmosh-public-health@un.org as needed.
35. What is the protocol for staff members returning to work after visiting COVID-19
affected countries (i.e., those with ongoing transmission)?
• If you have just returned from an affected area, you should self-monitor for symptoms for
14 days after travel.
• During that period, you should immediately seek medical attention should you develop any
signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath or cough.
• Remember to share your previous travel history with your health care provider and make
every effort to inform them by phone prior to visiting a medical facility and wear a medical
mask when you seek medical care.
• You should only return to work when you are well and completely free of symptoms.
• HR personnel and managers are encouraged to exercise flexibility around remote working to
support staff.
36. I just returned from travel to a country/area experiencing local transmission of
COVID-19. I am well and have no symptoms. Can I go back to the workplace?
• For any UN personnel who are free of symptoms, and returning from country/area or
territory experiencing local transmission of COVID-19, managers are encouraged to exercise
flexibility in terms of using remote working arrangements for staff in these situations who
would like to limit their contact with others and work from home for 14 days post-travel.
This is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged.
• Individuals returning from areas of outbreaks should be advised to review our health
advisory on this Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) page so that you have awareness about the
disease. You should monitor yourself daily for signs of fever, respiratory symptoms (e.g.,
breathing difficulties, cough), and know where to seek medical attention if you are aware of
any symptoms within yourself. You should monitor yourself for at least 14 days after your
travel.
37. What about self-quarantining after returning from an area/country of high
prevalence?
• If you have just returned from an affected area, you should self-monitor for symptoms for
14 days after travel. During that period, you should immediately seek medical attention
should you develop any signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath or cough.
• Self-quarantine for 14 days is recommended when you have been exposed to contact with
lab-confirmed COVID-19.
• Since this is a rapidly evolving situation, many member states are imposing quarantine
recommendations for travelers, which varies by country. We suggest monitoring the travel
advisories issued from WHO and DHMOSH for up to date information
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice and
https://hr.un.org/page/travel-health-information
38. Have medical insurance related questions?
Please refer to Frequently Asked Questions for UN staff on Medical Insurance in connection with
the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/2020-
03-09_faq_medical_insurance_covid-19_ra.pdf
39. What are the latest protocols and guidance for Medical Evacuation of staff members
with severe respiratory infections related to COVID-19?
• For the latest information on normal Medevac procedure for staff, go to:
https://hr.un.org/sites/hr.un.org/files/Coronavirus_MedevacGuidance_UN_RC_0.pdf
• For information on special Medevac procedure organized by the WHO in cases where
there are no ICU beds available in your country, see:
https://hr.un.org/sites/hr.un.org/files/COVID-
MEDEVAC%20UN%20and%20PARTNERS.pdf
