Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to causerespiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

COVID-19 is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus strain.

People who have been exposed to an infectious disease and may be infected but are not yet ill may be quarantined. That is, they may be asked to remain at home or another location to prevent further spread of illness to others and to carefully monitor for the disease.

This is for individuals who are sick from the contagious disease. These individuals are kept separate from others — or “isolated” — usually within a health care facility or at home. Typically, the ill person will have their own room, and caretakers will take certain precautions such as wearing protective clothing.