COVID-19 is a new virus that was first discovered in 2019. It spreads through respiratory droplets released when someone who is sick talks, coughs, or sneezes, or through close personal contact like touching or shaking hands. Although many people who get it are only mildly sick with cough and fever, some people become sick enough that they need to be hospitalized, and some people die from this infection.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Generally, people who have COVID-19 become sick 2–14 days after being exposed to someone with the virus. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Less common symptoms include:

• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• Headache

Many people with COVID-19 may have no symptoms at all, and people can also be contagious for several days before they develop symptoms.

If you have mild symptoms, stay home, rest, and avoid contact with others until you feel completely better for three consecutive days. You’re safer staying home with mild symptoms rather than exposing others or being exposed to the illness.

For information on how to get tested, see the FAQ below for “Getting Tested.”

There is no vaccine against COVID-19, but there are simple things everyone can do to keep from getting it: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds, or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Try to not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Try to stay away from people who are sick. 
• If you are sick, stay home and try to stay away from other people. 
• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw away tissues in a trash can and immediately wash your hands. 
• Use a cloth face mask when you are not able to social distance, like when you go to the grocery store, go to work, or if you live in a group setting.
• The best way to prevent getting COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to the virus. This means practicing social distancing. Here are the things that you can do: 
  • Reduce the number of people you are around – the fewer, the better, but especially avoid groups of 10 or more. Follow the Stay at Home order and do not have visitors.
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from other people. 
  • Think about ways you can get supplies you need delivered instead of going out to stores. Ask that deliveries be left outside your door instead of accepting them in person.
  • If you do have to go to the store, choose a time when it is not crowded, wear a mask, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer as soon as you leave. 
  • Call people on the phone instead of visiting them in person to avoid getting sick or accidentally infecting others.

There is no medicine or cure that works specifically on COVID-19. But there are ways to help take care of yourself and your family if sick: 

• Most people who have had COVID-19 get better just by resting, drinking fluids, and taking fever medicine like Tylenol/acetaminophen. 
• If you have trouble breathing, worsening cough, chest pain, or other severe symptoms, call your doctor’s office, go to an urgent care clinic, or go to an emergency department. Call first if you can, so they are expecting you.

• If you have mild symptoms, stay home, rest, and avoid contact with others until you feel completely better.
• Because there is no medication for COVID-19, you are safer staying at home with mild symptoms than going to a place where you might expose others or be exposed to others with the illness.
• People who should be tested, regardless of age, include:
  • People who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 (wait until 7 days after exposure to ensure test accuracy)
  • People with COVID-19 symptoms, including:
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath OR
    • Two of the following: fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell

If you think you need to be tested for COVID-19, call your primary care provider’s office or find a testing site near you.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its partners are investigating to determine if you can get sick with COVID-19 more than once. At this time, we are not sure if you can become re-infected. Until we know more, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others.

• People who should be tested, regardless of age, include:
  • People who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 (wait until 7 days after exposure to ensure test accuracy)
  • People with COVID-19 symptoms, including:
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath OR
    • Two of the following: fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell

If you think you need to be tested for COVID-19, call your primary care provider’s office or find a testing site near you.

People with serious underlying health problems should always consult with their personal physician or provider when they develop new symptoms. This does not mean that you have COVID-19, but it does mean that you might need to be checked for other possible infections or health issues.

If you do not have symptoms, the health department only recommends testing for COVID-19 if you suspect you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. You should wait 7 days after your exposure date to get tested to ensure that the test is accurate.

The City of Philadelphia is working with Share Food Program and Philabundance to support food sites where residents can pick up supplemental food. While schools are closed due to COVID-19, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and many charter schools are providing free meals for students. The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Corporation for Aging are working together to provide free meals for older adults.

Remember to wear a mask when you go to pick up food.

During normal business hours, residents can call the Women Against Abuse Legal Center at (215) 686-7082 and leave a message with a safe number for an advocate to call back.

The Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline remains open 24/7. For help, call (866) 723-3014.

Residents can file for emergency Protection from Abuse Orders (PFAs) at the Stout Center for Criminal Justice. Services are available 24/7 at:

Stout Center for Criminal Justice
1301 Filbert St.
Room B-03
Philadelphia, PA 19107

The Women’s Law Project has information about protection from abuse orders and other domestic violence resources.

Yes. Abortion is categorized in Pennsylvania as an essential health care service. Health center hours and services will vary depending on the location and the laws in your area and may change as the COVID-19 pandemic develops. The best thing to do is to call your clinic or health care office for the most up-to-date information on what’s available near you.

You may be eligible for unemployment compensation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania if:

• Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19.
• Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19.
• You’ve been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19.
• You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or you live or work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts.

Because of COVID-19, the Commonwealth is waiving wait time and work requirements for applicants. Learn how to apply online for unemployment compensation. If you need assistance completing the application, visit the Philadelphia Legal Assistance resource page, or call (215) 999-6910.

Unfortunately, traditional burial practices such as washing and wrapping the body may also bring risk to the living. Funeral and mourning gatherings also put attendees at potential risk by bringing people together, particularly because people with COVID-19 infection can be contagious for several days before they develop symptoms.

While these restrictions are particularly difficult at times of mourning, there are still ways for people to gather virtually to mourn and to memorialize loved ones.

Philadelphians experiencing homelessness who need and want help can contact Homeless Outreach at (215) 232-1984.

Yes, community gardens are included in essential activities and may still operate. Take precautions including staying at least 6 feet from others, wearing a cloth mask if others are in the area, disinfecting frequently touched objects (e.g. gate handles), limit the number of people in the garden at a time, and avoid gathering with others while at the garden. Wash your hands after you finish.

COVID-19 spreads when someone with the disease coughs or sneezes and the droplets that they produce can get into the mouths, noses, or eyes of people nearby. Children can avoid catching the disease by washing their hands often, avoiding people who are sick, and not touching their face.

Social distancing involves decreasing in-person contact with other people to reduce the risk of spreading illness. Children need to practice social distancing as well, both to protect them from infection and to prevent them from spreading the infection to others.

• Stay home as much as possible. Do not plan playdates with other children. Instead, connect with friends by phone or video. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily. This includes tables, chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, strollers, and sinks.
• Children should wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, before and after eating, before and after diapering or using the bathroom, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose.
• Reduce the number of people you are around to just the people in your household.
• Keep your child at least 6 feet away from other people if you do need to go out. Six feet is about the length of a full-size bed.
• Think about ways to get supplies you need delivered rather than having to take your child out to stores. Ask that deliveries be left outside your door rather than accepting them in person.
• Encourage your child to connect with friends and relatives by phone or video rather than visiting them in person to avoid getting sick or accidentally infecting others. Staying connected is important.

Early reports of children sick with COVID-19 show that they have cold-like symptoms, like a fever, runny nose, and cough. Generally, children who have COVID-19 have mild symptoms. Severe complications of COVID-19, like pneumonia, appear to be very uncommon in children.

No, there is no evidence that children are more likely to catch this disease. In fact, most confirmed cases of COVID-19 have occurred in adults. Some children, however, have gotten sick with COVID-19. Other coronaviruses, like SARS and MERS, also did not infect children as much as adults.

While there have only been a few reports of children sick with COVID-19, those reports show that children usually have mild symptoms. We expect that children who have underlying health conditions may have worse sicknesses, though.

There are currently no treatments for COVID-19 for children or adults. Other coronaviruses are usually treated with over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen, decongestants, and cough suppressants.

Even though families are staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there are still important reasons why you may need to bring your child into the office, including newborn visits after a baby is born, to stay up-to-date on immunizations, and to treat infections or injuries.

Now more than ever, it’s very important that families stay connected to their pediatrician and their medical home. Pediatricians are taking​ steps to make sure it’s as safe as possible for visi​ts that need to happen in person. Some offices have separated “sick” and “well” areas of their clinic or are having newborns come in early in the day, before any other patients. Calling ahead is important so your pediatrician can advise you on the best way to come in.

Find out more about when to contact your child’s pediatrician.

Email vaccines@phila.gov with any questions about vaccination during the pandemic.

Pregnant people experience immunologic and physiologic changes which make them susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19.  Limited research demonstrates that pregnant people with COVID-19 may be at increased risk for severe illness requiring intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation.   Notably, available data demonstrates that pregnant people do not appear to be at increased risk of death associated with COVID-19.

Adverse infant outcomes such as preterm birth have been reported among infants born to people positive for COVID-19 during pregnancy.  However, this information is based on limited data and it is not clear that these outcomes were related to maternal infection. Pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth, has been observed in cases of infection with other related coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, during pregnancy. High fevers during the first trimester of pregnancy can also increase the risk of birth defects.

Pregnant health care personnel (HCP) should follow strict infection control guidelines if exposed to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Adherence to recommended infection prevention and control practices is an important part of protecting all HCP in health care settings. Information on COVID-19 in pregnancy is very limited; facilities may want to consider limiting exposure of pregnant HCP to patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, especially during high-risk procedures (e.g., aerosol-generating procedures) if feasible based on staffing availability.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly by close contact with an infected person through respiratory droplets. Whether a pregnant person with COVID-19 can transmit the virus that causes COVID-19 to the fetus or neonate by other routes of vertical transmission (before, during, or after delivery) is still unknown. However, in limited, recently published case series of infants born to people with COVID-19, none of the infants tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.  In addition, vertical transmission for other coronaviruses (MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV) has not been reported for these infections.

Based on limited case reports, adverse infant outcomes (e.g., preterm birth) have been reported among infants born to people positive for COVID-19 during pregnancy. However, it is not clear that these outcomes were related to the parent’s infection, and at this time the risk of adverse infant outcomes is not known.

Given the limited data available related to COVID-19 during pregnancy, knowledge of adverse outcomes from other respiratory viral infections may provide some information. For example, other respiratory viral infections during pregnancy, such as influenza, have been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm birth. Additionally, having a cold or influenza with a high fever early in pregnancy may increase the risk of certain birth defects. Infants have been born preterm and/or small for gestational age to people with other coronavirus infections, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, during pregnancy.

At this time, there is no information on long-term health effects on infants either with COVID-19, or those exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 in utero. In general, prematurity and low birth weight are associated with adverse long-term health effects.

Human-to-human transmission by close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 has been reported and is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when a person with infection coughs or sneezes.  In limited case series reported to date, no evidence of virus has been found in the breast milk of people with COVID-19. No information is available on the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 through breast milk (i.e., whether an infectious virus is present in the breast milk of an infected person).

However, a person with confirmed COVID-19 or who is a symptomatic person under investigation should take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the virus to the infant during feeding, including washing hands before touching the infant and wearing a face mask, if possible, while feeding at the breast. If expressing breast milk with a manual or electric breast pump, the parent should wash their hands before touching any pump or bottle parts and follow the recommendation for proper pump cleaning after each use. If possible, consider having someone who is well feed the expressed breast milk to the infant.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine’s order on April 15, 2020 requires a set of protections for workers. Business owners should familiarize themselves with the new requirements, which include:

• Masking of all staff and clients.
• Maintaining 6 feet of distance between staff and customers.
• Plastic barriers to protect staff.
• Limits on the number of people set at 50% of previous occupancy limits.

People who have COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19 infection should stay out of work until all of the following are true: 1) it has been at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms AND 2) they have been fever free for 72 hours AND 3) their symptoms are improving. Please do not require proof of COVID-19 testing either to qualify for sick leave or to return to work. Tests can remain positive for weeks after infection due to dead virus remaining in the body, but this does not mean that people are contagious.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health recommends getting tested for COVID-19 if:

• You have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 (wait until 7 days after exposure to ensure test accuracy) OR
• You have symptoms of COVID-19, including:
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath OR
  • Two of these symptoms: fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell
• You have traveled to a state where there are high numbers of recent transmission.  See our travel recommendations.

Testing is prioritized for people with the above symptoms who:

• Are hospitalized.
• Have chronic medical conditions.
• Reside or work in congregate settings, including nursing homes, behavioral health facilities, shelters, and prisons.
• Are healthcare, public safety, or other essential workers (Police, Fire, EMS, mass transit, grocery and pharmacy staff).
• Are close contacts of known cases or associated with a known cluster of cases.

People who have had COVID-19 infection and are recovering do not need a follow-up test.

Employers should not require proof of a negative test for return to work. Instead, follow recommendations for how long a sick employee should isolate at home.

If you think you should be tested for COVID-19, use our testing sites map to find locations, contact information, and other criteria for testing sites in Philadelphia.

If you were tested at a location that is not a hospital or City health center (for example, Citizens Bank Park or a pharmacy), you should be able to get your test results on the laboratory’s patient portal.

• Bioreference Laboratories
• LabCorp
• Quest Diagnostics

Citizens Bank Park testing was performed by Quest.

• Depending on what laboratory performs your test, it may take 2-6 days to learn your results. During that time, get rest, stay hydrated, and stay at home away from all people while you have symptoms. Read our guidance on home care during quarantine or isolation.
• Monitor for symptoms — if you feel short of breath or have a worsening cough or persistent fever (over 101 for more than 3 days or over 100.4 for more than 5 days), call your doctor or go to a hospital emergency department.
• If you must be near other people, wear a cloth mask over your nose and mouth.

You have had no fever for at least 24 hours (one full day of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) and other symptoms have improved (for example, your cough or shortness of breath have improved) and at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

Note that instructions are different for health care workers and for those who are residents of long-term care facilities, shelters, or other congregate settings.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is sending texts and emails to contact individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, or who may have come in contact with a person with COVID-19.

Individuals are asked to complete a brief survey to help the Philadelphia Department of Public Health better understand and monitor the spread of COVID-19 in Philadelphia. Questions address demographic details, signs and symptoms, and information about exposure history, travel, and hospitalization. Participation is voluntary.

Social distancing involves decreasing in-person contact with other people to reduce the risk of spreading illness. Everyone should practice social distancing right now—not just those who are ill or high-risk.

• Stay home as much as possible. The City’s Stay at Home order prohibits public and private gatherings of any number of people outside a household or living unit.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from other people. Six feet is about the length of a full-size bed.
• Think about ways to get supplies you need delivered rather than going out to stores. Ask that deliveries be left outside your door rather than accepting them in person.
• Eliminate nonessential travel. Skip social gatherings. Work from home or apply for unemployment compensation.
• Call people on the phone rather than visiting them in person to avoid getting sick or accidentally infecting others. Staying connected is important.
• When you’re in situations where social distancing is difficult, like going to the grocery store or going to work as an essential employee, wear a cloth mask.

The best way to protect yourself from getting sick and to prevent the spread of germs is to practice good health habits.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Wet your hands with running water, lather them with soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to wash the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. After rinsing, dry your hands with a clean towel.
  • Learn how to properly wash your hands in a video on handwashing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
  • If you are using hand sanitizer, choose an alcohol-based product (60 percent alcohol or higher is recommended). Pour some into your palm and then rub it all over your hands and fingers until it dries (about 20 seconds).
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
  • If you don’t have a tissue, try to cough or sneeze into your elbow.
  • Throw away used tissues as soon as possible.
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching used tissues.
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services put together a video on sneezing into your arm with Sesame Street characters.
• Avoid touching your face if you haven’t washed your hands.
• Avoid sharing drinks and eating utensils like forks and spoons.
• Get a flu shot every year.

• Avoid shaking hands and hugging people.
• Clean surfaces that people touch often like doorknobs, counters, phones, or bathroom faucets. Be sure to follow the label instructions.
  • If there’s someone sick at home, clean surfaces that are commonly touched several times a day.
• Try to avoid touching commonly touched objects like elevator buttons or handrails. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer immediately after touching these objects. Consider using a knuckle to push elevator buttons, or your shoulder to push revolving doors.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid busy places, events, and crowds as much as possible. Try to run errands like grocery shopping when stores are less busy.
• Try to keep at least six feet away from anyone who appears to be sick. If someone is coughing, move away.

If you think you have COVID-19:

• If you have mild symptoms, stay home, rest, and avoid contact with others until you feel completely better.
• Because there is no medication for COVID-19, you are safer staying at home with mild symptoms than going to a place
• People who should be tested, regardless of age, include:
  • People who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 (wait until 7 days after exposure to ensure test accuracy)
  • People with COVID-19 symptoms, including:
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath OR
    • Two of the following: fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell

Call your primary care physician if you believe you should be tested, or find a testing site near you. Calling first makes it possible for medical professionals to ensure you can be seen without putting yourself or others at additional risk.

If you have questions about COVID-19 symptoms (common symptoms are fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue), call the 24/7 helpline at (800) 722-7112.

• Practice social distancing.
• Check on neighbors (by phone or otherwise maintaining six feet of distance), especially those who live alone, are elderly, have disabilities, have limited English proficiency, or may need meals for children.
• Learn about opportunities to support your community by making donations or volunteering.

People who have COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19 infection should stay out of work until all of the following are true: 1) it has been at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms AND 2) they have been fever free for 72 hours AND 3) their symptoms are improving. Please do not require proof of COVID-19 testing either to qualify for sick leave or to return to work. Tests can remain positive for weeks after infection due to dead virus remaining in the body, but this does not mean that people are contagious.

Consider walking or riding a bike to work if you are able. If you take public transportation, wear a mask and try to stay at least six feet away from other riders. Wash your hands before and after riding, try not to touch your face, and carry hand sanitizer. Wash your hands often, especially after getting to work, and frequently during the day.

Clean regularly touched surfaces, like your workstation, countertops, doorknobs, and refrigerator handles. Use the cleaners you normally use on these surfaces. Stay at least six feet away from people you interact with and members of the public. If your work involves being around others, wear a cloth mask to protect them—and ask them to wear one to protect you.

Stay at home as much as possible to protect yourself. Ask family or friends who are young and healthy to pick up groceries or medications for you and leave them outside your door. Connect by phone or video chat but do not have visitors. Call your doctor if you develop fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

Please do not let COVID-19 stop you from getting the medical attention you need.  Emergency departments are reporting that many people are waiting too long after a heart attack or stroke and suffering needless complications. Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes or other chronic conditions can cause dangerous complications.

Call your primary care provider, if you have one, and ask if they are doing telemedicine visits (visits by telephone or internet) during COVID-19. Many offices have made these visits available to help patients get the care they need without having to come into the office.

If your doctor’s office does not offer telemedicine visits, ask if they have separate office hours for sick and non-sick patients. Many doctors’ offices are asking sick patients to come at a separate time of day or using separate waiting rooms to help keep patients safe.

If you do not have a primary care provider, consider making an appointment at a city health center or federally qualified health center (FQHC). These clinics will see you whether or not you have insurance and regardless of your immigration status. They offer interpretation services to patients who are not fluent in English.  Search a map of clinics in Philadelphia.

If you have a primary care provider but are not able to be seen right now, consider asking your PCP to give you additional medication refills and ask your pharmacy to deliver your medicines.

If lots of people get sick at the same time, there could be further disruptions to your normal life. Now is the time to get prepared for that possibility.

• Talk with your primary health care provider and pharmacist to see if you can have a 90-day supply of prescription medications for yourself and other household members.
• It’s also a good idea to maintain a supply of over-the-counter medications, such as fever-reducing medications like Tylenol, or other medications that household members use regularly.
• Think about storing a two-week supply of non-perishable food at home, so you’ll have some if you can’t go grocery shopping.
• It’s a good idea to have enough essential household items, like cleaning products, detergent, pet care items, and diapers, if you have young children.
• The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management has tips on which essential items you should store at home in preparation for any emergency.
• If you have elderly parents or relatives, consider how you will care for them if they get sick. If they rely on a caregiver, make back-up plans in case the caregiver becomes sick and is unable to work.

Health care workers who perform aerosol-generating procedures should wear N95 masks. Other health care workers should use surgical masks and should be masked throughout their shifts to avoid spread between asymptomatic health care workers. First responders should follow departmental protocols for masking.

Members of the public should wear cloth masks whenever unable to follow social distancing consistently, such as when going to grocery stores or taking public transportation to essential jobs. All staff and clients of essential businesses must wear cloth masks as of April 20, 2020.

Someone who is actively having trouble breathing such as an asthma attack should take off their mask in a place at least 6 feet from others and use their asthma medication or get medical attention if needed.

People with asthma or other breathing problems are at higher risk from COVID-19 infection, so should do their best to wear a mask to protect themselves and others and make sure to maintain social distance and avoid gatherings. They may need to try different types of masks to find one they are comfortable wearing. The type of cloth and the number of layers makes a big difference. Paper masks may be easier for some people to tolerate than cloth masks. A face shield is also an option for someone who can’t tolerate any mask.

While transporting the patient, both the patient and the driver should wear masks. The masks should cover their noses and mouths and they should avoid touching the masks and their faces. The patient should sit as far as possible from the driver, in the right-hand back seat.

No one other than the driver and the patient should ride in the vehicle. During transport, vehicle ventilation should be on non-recirculated mode to maximize air changes that reduce potentially infectious particles in the vehicle.

COVID-19 is spread through direct contact with saliva or mucus. If you are having sex, the main risk probably comes from being close to someone (within 6 feet) and having direct contact with your sex partner, for example kissing and touching each other’s faces.

Clean and disinfect regularly-touched surfaces in household common areas every day.

Anyone who is in isolation or quarantine should try to stay away from other people in the home. Only one person should take care of the person in isolation or quarantine. This person should be the only person to have direct contact with the patient or their room. The patient should have their own separate bedroom and bathroom if that’s an option. The patient should wear a surgical mask when they are around other people. Everyone in the home should wash their hands often. Surfaces that are frequently touched by the patient should be cleaned with a household disinfectant at least daily.

To date, there is no evidence that pets can spread the virus to people.